Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State officially commissioned the Naval Training Command Headquarters in a bid to tackle insecurity within Rivers and the Niger Delta region.
The governor inaugurated the facility, located in Ebubu community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, announcing the relocation of the naval command headquarters from Lagos to Rivers. He revealed that the state government had generously donated the facility to the Nigerian Navy to oversee all naval training colleges nationwide.
Fubara emphasized the importance of the new training center in enhancing the professional development of naval personnel, aiming to cultivate a highly skilled and motivated naval force capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Highlighting the security challenges faced by Rivers State, including threats from sea pirates, kidnappers, pipeline vandals, and oil thieves, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies in combating criminal activities within the state.
As a demonstration of this commitment, Governor Fubara pledged a donation of N350 million to the navy to facilitate the operationalization of the training command.
In response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed optimism regarding the relocation of the headquarters to Rivers State, believing it would enhance the navy’s operational capabilities. He noted that the move was part of the navy’s 2030 strategic plan to expand its training facilities nationwide, providing naval personnel with a conducive environment to fulfill their mandate of ensuring maritime security.
Ogalla commended Governor Fubara for his support, acknowledging the donation of the facility and logistical assistance in establishing the naval training command headquarters.