Oborevwori Makes Strong Case for Delta to Host Army’s New 83 Division, Offers Land, Co-Funding

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has made a strong pitch for the headquarters of the newly created 83 Division of the Nigerian Army to be located in the state, offering land, financial support and other logistics required for the formation to take off.

Oborevwori made the proposal when he received an Implementation Delegation from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, led by Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, at Government House, Asaba.

The delegation was in Delta as part of consultations across the South-South following the creation of the new Army division to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the new formation, describing the decision as a “visionary and audacious step” towards expanding Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.

He, however, told the Army delegation that Delta possessed compelling strategic advantages that should weigh heavily in determining where the headquarters of the new division would be situated.

According to Oborevwori, Delta hosts critical and sensitive national assets, particularly in the oil and gas sector, making the state central to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.

He also pointed to Delta’s geographical position as an important gateway connecting the South-South with the South-East, South-West and North-Central parts of the country.

The governor said these considerations made the state particularly suitable for the headquarters of a major Army formation capable of responding rapidly to security threats within and beyond the region.

“For these reasons, I strongly advocated that the Headquarters of the new 83 Division be located in Delta State,” Oborevwori said.

He went beyond making a case for the state, pledging that his administration would commit tangible resources to facilitate the establishment of the division if Delta was selected.

“This is not merely an appeal for consideration; it is an offer of partnership,” the governor said.

“My administration is prepared to provide the land and necessary support, including co-funding, to facilitate the effective take-off of the new formation.”

Oborevwori said the security challenges confronting the country required stronger collaboration among the federal and state governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the military.

He assured the delegation that Delta was ready to deepen its partnership with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army in strengthening security, protecting strategic national assets, and creating a safer environment for residents and businesses.

“At a time when strengthening our national security requires collective responsibility, Delta State stands ready to work with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army in building a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria,” the governor said.