…As Army Commends Him for Strong Support for Delta’s Security Architecture
By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, to maintain aggressive, proactive security operations and seamless coordination with other security agencies in order to shield lives, property and vital economic installations across the Niger Delta.
The governor issued the directive on Tuesday while receiving Okoro, who concurrently serves as Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, during a courtesy call at Government House, Asaba.
Congratulating the senior officer on his elevation, Oborevwori described 6 Division as a pivotal operational formation whose effectiveness is indispensable to regional stability. “I congratulate you on your new posting as the GOC 6 Division. This is a highly strategic operational division. I pray for divine guidance, wisdom and outstanding success throughout your tenure,” the governor stated, while guaranteeing the Delta State Government’s unwavering backing and partnership.
He emphasised that the relative calm currently prevailing in Delta is the direct product of deliberate, sustained synergy between the state administration and security forces. Given Delta’s status as a critical oil-producing state, he stressed that its security is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic resilience.
“Delta State is of utmost importance to the Nigerian economy. We depend on the security agencies to perform their duties, because the peace we presently enjoy is the outcome of collaboration between the state and the security agencies,” Oborevwori declared.
The governor praised the Nigerian Army and sister agencies for their steadfast efforts in securing the state, noting that his administration has consistently supplied infrastructure and logistics to bolster their operational readiness. He revealed that the government recently completed one-bedroom flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and has maintained continuous logistical support for the 63 Brigade.
“This forms only one of several concrete measures we have taken to assist the Nigerian Army. We assure you of our continued support and close collaboration with the Nigerian Army towards a safer and more prosperous region,” he affirmed.
Oborevwori underscored the inseparable connection between security and economic progress, observing that investment and commerce can flourish only in an environment of peace and order. “If this region remains secure, the economy will rise. If unrest takes hold, the economy will decline,” he warned, urging the new GOC to act decisively and proactively against criminal elements.
Recalling his earlier engagement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his long-standing productive relationship with security agencies in the Niger Delta, the governor reiterated that ties with the military remain strong and constructive. “I assure you that we shall continue to work together,” he added.
Earlier, Major General Okoro explained that the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units under his command following his assumption of duty. He lauded Governor Oborevwori for purposeful leadership and robust support for Delta’s security framework, especially in infrastructure, welfare and economic advancement.
Okoro noted that Delta’s strategic location, extensive oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets render the state central to Nigeria’s economic and energy security. Consequently, the protection of these national assets and the security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility rank among his foremost priorities.
He stressed that credible intelligence, rigorous realistic training and tight coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders are indispensable for neutralising threats. His vision, he said, is to secure critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and achieve assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.
The GOC also commended the cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its continued strengthening.
