GOVERNOR ENO RECEIVES NAVAL WARFARE COURSE 10 PARTICIPANTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SECURITY

GOVERNOR ENO RECEIVES NAVAL WARFARE COURSE 10 PARTICIPANTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SECURITY

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and sustaining development across the state.

The Governor stated this on Monday while receiving participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 from the Naval War College of Nigeria, who are in Akwa Ibom State for a study tour.

Governor Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, spoke during the visit held at the Old Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo.

He described security as an essential foundation for economic growth, social stability and political development, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in an environment where people and investments are unsafe.

The Governor said security remains a major priority under the ARISE Agenda, adding that his administration would continue to take proactive measures to protect lives and property.

He noted that although Akwa Ibom is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, the government would not become complacent or neglect its responsibility to keep the state safe for residents, investors and visitors.

Governor Eno pledged to sustain the partnership between the state government and security agencies, describing their contribution to peace and public safety as indispensable.

He said the government would continue to provide logistical assistance for intelligence gathering, patrols, surveillance and security operations within the limits of available resources.

According to him, security agencies remain under the control of the Federal Government, but the state considers it necessary to support their operations to ensure that personnel can effectively discharge their responsibilities.

The Governor commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in protecting the state’s maritime environment and combating crude oil theft, piracy and other criminal activities within the Gulf of Guinea.

He described the study tour as timely and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained by the participants would strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Governor Eno disclosed that his administration had established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, with a retired military general appointed as its pioneer commissioner.

He added that members of the Ibom Community Watch would support security agencies by providing grassroots intelligence and early information on activities capable of threatening peace in communities.

The Governor said his administration had consistently invested in security since assuming office through funding support for security agencies, the provision of patrol vehicles and gunboats, and the introduction of community based security initiatives under the ARISE Agenda.

He praised the Nigerian Navy for its strategic role in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, addressing maritime insecurity and defending the country against threats through its waterways and coastlines.

Governor Eno assured the delegation that his administration would continue working to maintain peace while advancing development across all sectors of the state.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Naval War College of Nigeria and leader of the delegation, Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye, said the institution is one of three war colleges in the country established to develop operational level leaders capable of responding effectively to contemporary security challenges.

Rear Admiral Muye explained that the visit was designed to expose participants to key areas of national security, with particular attention to operational engagement and the economic, political and security environment of Akwa Ibom State.

He identified the theme of the study tour as “Maritime Security and Socioeconomic Development: Akwa Ibom State in Perspective.”

According to him, Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position along Nigeria’s southeastern coastline and serves as an important centre for maritime trade, offshore energy operations and national economic activities.

He said the state provides a compelling case study because of its extensive coastline, abundant hydrocarbon resources and critical oil and gas infrastructure.

Rear Admiral Muye noted that Akwa Ibom remains one of Nigeria’s leading oil producing states and contributes significantly to national revenue and energy security.

He thanked Governor Eno for the hospitality extended to the delegation and commended Akwa Ibom for maintaining its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

The Commandant also praised the Governor’s efforts to position the state as a major maritime and industrial gateway within the Gulf of Guinea through the Ibom Deep Seaport project and other maritime development initiatives.

He said the projects have the potential to promote investment, expand economic activities and stimulate regional development.

Rear Admiral Muye disclosed that the delegation comprised 34 course participants, including four foreign officers. Two of the foreign participants are from Cameroon, while Ghana and Liberia have one representative each.

He added that 20 administrative personnel of the Naval War College also accompanied the participants on the study tour.