Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, to sustain proactive security measures and deepen collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical economic assets across the Niger Delta.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday when he received Okoro, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Asaba.
The governor congratulated the Army chief on his appointment, describing 6 Division as a strategic operational formation with a critical responsibility for maintaining peace and security across the Niger Delta.
“I congratulate you on your new posting as the GOC 6 Division. This is a very strategic operational division. I pray for your guidance, wisdom and success during your time here,” Oborevwori said.
He assured the new GOC of the continued support and cooperation of the Delta State Government, attributing the relative peace in the state to sustained collaboration between the government and security agencies.
According to him, Delta’s strategic position as a major oil-producing state makes its security vital to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“Delta State is very, very key to the economy of Nigeria, and we rely on the security agencies to do their work because the peace we are enjoying today is the result of collaboration between the state and the security agencies,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace across the state, adding that his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to strengthen their operational capacity.
He disclosed that the state government recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and had also provided sustained logistical support to the 63 Brigade.
“This is just one of our initiatives among others to support the Nigerian Army. We assure you that we will continue to give you support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army for a safer and more prosperous region,” the governor said.
The governor stressed the strong connection between security and economic growth, noting that businesses and investments could only thrive in an environment of peace and stability.
“If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down,” he said.
He urged the new GOC to remain proactive and decisive in tackling criminal elements and emerging security threats.
Oborevwori, who recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his longstanding relationship with security agencies in the Niger Delta, assured the military of the state government’s continued partnership.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.
Earlier, Major General Okoro said the visit was part of his familiarisation tour of military formations and units under his command following his assumption of duty.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and strong support for the state’s security architecture, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, welfare and economic development.
Okoro noted that Delta’s strategic location, oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made the state particularly important to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
He said protecting critical national assets and securing states within the Division’s area of responsibility would remain among his key priorities.
The GOC also identified credible intelligence, realistic training and close coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders as essential to effectively tackling security threats.
According to him, his vision is to safeguard critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and accomplish assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.
Okoro commended the cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its continued sustenance.
