Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday advocated synergy between government and security agencies to boost investment opportunities in the Niger Delta region.
Governor Okowa, who spoke when he received on a courtesy visit the new general officer commanding 6th Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Jamiu Sarham in Asaba, said his administration’s partnership with security agencies had ensured an investor friendly and peaceful environment in the state.
Okowa said the partnership between the state government and security agencies had made the state to be ranked among the most peaceful in the country.
He said, “The Niger Delta region has become more peaceful because of the cooperation of the security agencies and the various outfits put in place to build peace in the region.
“Team work is responsible for this peace and we appreciate the partnership with the security agencies. We will continue to secure our national asset so that production of oil will be at a level it is economically viable for our nation and state.”
He commended Sarham on his new appointment and enjoined him to use his wealth of experience to achieve success and ensure an upscale of peace in his area of command.
“We as a state are mindful of the importance of peace because it is only under a peaceful environment that we can truly develop our state and if there is no peace it will be difficult for investors to come into our state and if investors do not come it will become difficult for us to engage our youths and create meaningful opportunities for our people.
“I pray that Nigeria will become more peaceful as it is in the interest of the nation and the youths,” the governor said.
Earlier, Sarham said he was in the state to familiarise himself with the working of the division and the people, assuring the governor that in line with the charge of the Chief of Army Staff, troops under him would remain apolitical and carry out their duty in line with the Constitution of the country.
He commended the developmental strides and peaceful environment of the state, stressing that he would synergise with other security agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.
