Gov. Fubara donates N350 million to boost operational capacity of Nigeria Navy
…Inaugurates New Naval Training Command Hqtrs
From Chris Eze, Port Harcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced N350 million donation to the Nigeria Navy to boost its operational capacity.
Governor Fubara announced the donation shortly after inaugurating the New Headquarters Naval Training Command in Ebubu community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday.
The Governor urged the Nigerian Navy to ensure that its investment in the professional development of naval personnel translated into visible advancement in the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests and blue economy.
He noted that the event completed a development journey that started in April, 2023 when his predecessor graciously ceded the dilapidated structures of the abandoned former Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Government Secondary School to the Nigerian Navy for use.
Governor Fubara added: “Today, we have seen the results of that noble and progressive decision with the comprehensive transformation and upgrading of the facilities as the Nigerian Navy’s new headquarters training command, which was hitherto domiciled in Lagos State.
“This magnificent training command stands as a testament to the commitment of the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to invest in the professional development of our naval personnel with the singular objective of cultivating a highly skilled, proficient and motivated naval force capable of advancing the security and prosperity of the nation’s maritime interests.”
The State Chief Executive Officer emphasized that the training command was now a remarkable evidence of the great strides made by President Bola Tinubu in strengthening the combat capabilities of the Nigerian Navy to deal with the expanded spectrum of maritime security threats that we face as a nation.
The Governor said Rivers State is a littoral territory with significant deposits of natural resources that was exposed to seaborne security threats, activities of pirates, kidnappers, and pipeline vandals, which impact adversely on the State and national economies, if not effectively tackled.
“This is why we will continue to provide tangible support and work together with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to safeguard the freedom of navigation, combat criminality on our waterways and ensure that the State is safe and secure for business and development to thrive and benefit our people and the nation.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor stressed. “Let me thank all who have contributed to the realization of this important project in this community as I reaffirm the special bond Rivers State has with the Nigerian Navy, and the shared commitment to advancing the peace, security and well-
