Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has called for stronger security collaboration across the Niger Delta, saying sustained peace remains critical to protecting lives, safeguarding investments and driving economic growth.
The governor made the call on Tuesday when the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
Okoro, who also serves as Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, was received by the governor as part of his familiarisation tour following his assumption of office.
Congratulating the Army chief on his appointment, Oborevwori described 6 Division as a strategic formation with a major responsibility for 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,” the governor said.
Oborevwori attributed the relative peace enjoyed in Delta to the sustained partnership between the state government and security agencies, stressing that the state’s importance to Nigeria’s economy made effective security operations particularly vital.
“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.
The governor assured the new GOC of continued government support, pointing to ongoing investments aimed at improving the welfare and operational effectiveness of security personnel.
He disclosed that the state had constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and continued to provide 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,” Oborevwori said.
He further underscored the direct connection between security and economic prosperity, warning that instability could undermine business activities and discourage investment.
“If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down,” the governor declared.
Oborevwori urged the new GOC to adopt proactive and decisive measures against criminal elements, assuring him that the state government was ready to maintain a strong working relationship with the military.
Recalling his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and longstanding engagement with security agencies in the Niger Delta, the governor said his relationship with the military had remained cordial.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.
Okoro Pledges Stronger Security Operations
Earlier, Major General Okoro said his visit formed part of efforts to familiarise himself with military formations and units under his command.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and sustained support for the state’s security architecture, particularly in infrastructure, welfare and economic development.
The Army commander noted that Delta’s oil and gas installations, waterways and other critical national assets placed the state at the centre of Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
He identified the protection of these assets and the security of states within 6 Division’s area of responsibility as key priorities under his command.
Okoro stressed that credible intelligence, realistic training and seamless coordination among security agencies and relevant stakeholders would be essential to confronting emerging threats.
He said his vision was to protect critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s operational area and successfully execute assigned missions through disciplined leadership, effective training and joint operations.
The GOC also praised the existing partnership between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its continued strengthening.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment by the state government and military authorities to preserve Delta’s peace while creating a secure environment for businesses, investments and sustainable development.
