From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State government has assured of continued partnership with the Federal Government and Nigeria Navy to secure the nation’s waterways.
Governor Yahaya Bello gave the assurance in a message to a visit by members of National Warfare Course Six of the Naval College, Calabar who were on a study tour of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, the Governor noted that adequate security needed to be provided on the Rivers Niger and Benue to maximize the abundant opportunities in the waterways.
He said the two rivers that meet at Lokoja were essential to the socio-economic development of the state and transformation of the transport sector.
Governor Bello said the theme of the study tour, ‘Inland Waterways, Security and Socio-economic development’ was timely in view of the security challenges facing the country.
He urged the course participants to take note of the present administration’s effort in the area of security and produce an accurate report as government builds on past successes.
The Governor Expressed appreciation to security agencies in the state for their efforts at ensuring safety on the waterways.
Commandant Naval War College, Calabar and Team leader, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande said the Navy was working towards putting together a security architecture that will ensure an enabling atmosphere for economic activities to thrive on the waterways.
In a welcome address, State Security Adviser, Retired Commander Jerry Omodara, who stated that government has done a lot in providing security in the State, maintained that it will continue to synergize with relevant agencies to sustain the prevailing security of lives and property.
He added that government was expanding its vigilante laws to enable them secure lives on the waterways.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of souvenir by the Navy to Governor Yahaya Bello.