Oborevwori Urges Security Collaboration for Peace, Economic Growth in Niger Delta

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged security agencies to sustain proactive security measures and collaborate to protect lives, property and critical economic assets in the Niger Delta.
The governor gave the charge when he received the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.- Gen. Everest Okoro on courtesy visit at the Government House on Tuesday in Asaba.
Okoro is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe.
Oborevwori congratulated Okoro on his appointment, describing 6 division as a strategic operational formation with a critical role in maintaining peace and security across the region.
“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,” he said.
The governor assured the army chief of the continued support and cooperation of the Delta government.
He said the peace in Delta was largely the result of sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies.
He stressed that the state’s strategic position as a major oil-producing state made its security crucial 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 security agencies,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Nigerian army and other security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding the state, noting that his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to enhance their operational capacity.
He disclosed that the government recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and had provided sustained logistical support to the 63 Brigade.
Oborevwori said: “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.”
He said there is a strong link between security and economic development, noting that investments and businesses could only thrive in an atmosphere 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 be proactive and decisive in tackling criminal elements.
Oborevwori assured that he would sustain the state’s support and partnership with security agencies to ensure that the region experienced peace and economic growth.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.
Earlier, 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 Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and strong support for Delta’s security architecture, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, welfare and economic development.
Okoro said that Delta’s strategic location, oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made it important to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
He said the protection of critical national assets and security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility were, therefore, among his priorities.
He said credible intelligence, realistic training and close coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders remained essential to effectively addressing security threats.
Okoro said 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.
He commended the cordial relationship between the Delta government and Nigerian army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and sought its sustenance.