Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday urged Maj. Gen. Everest Okoro, the new General Officer Commanding of 6 Division Nigerian Army, to sustain proactive security measures and collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical economic assets in the Niger Delta.
Oborevwori spoke when Okoro, who also serves as Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, paid a courtesy visit to Government House in Asaba.
Governor Congratulates New GOC
The governor congratulated Okoro on his appointment and described the 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,” Oborevwori said, assuring the Army chief of the continued support and cooperation of the Delta State Government.
Peace and Economic Growth
Oborevwori 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.
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“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.
He emphasized the link between security and economic development, saying 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, urging Okoro to be proactive and decisive in tackling criminal elements.
State Support for Military
Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding the state. He noted 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.
“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.
He also recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his close working relationship with security agencies in the Niger Delta. He said his relationship with the military remained cordial.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.
Okoro Outlines Vision
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 infrastructure, welfare and economic development.
Okoro said Delta’s strategic location, oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made the state important to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
He said the protection of critical national assets and the security of states within the division’s area of responsibility were among his priorities.
He said credible intelligence, realistic training and close coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders were essential to effectively address security threats.
Okoro said his vision was 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 the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and sought its sustenance.