The governments of Imo and Ondo states have commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts aimed at surveying and charting Nigerian waters to open them up for economic activities.
They gave the commendation at the World Hydrography Day with the theme, “Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean” organised by the navy yesterday in Abuja.
Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodimma in his remarks said it was essential to appreciate the pivotal role of hydrography and by extension, the waterways in the development of the economies of littoral states throughout ancient history.
He said that water bodies had always been central to the development of human evolution and civilisation given the significant role and invaluable contributions of water to the economies of many developed nations.
He said the role of waters were made possible through the hydrography which provided vivid pictures of the nature and condition of water to enable effective channel management for self navigation.
Uzodimma said it was in recognition of the facts that concerted efforts have been made by some state governments in recent time to partner with the navy to facilitate navigable revolutions within their states.
He commended Ondo State government for engaging the services of the Nigerian navy to survey, chart and open up Alape River from the Ilaje to Apapa in Lagos to boost economic activities including transportation, agriculture and tourism.
According to him, this is a laudable milestone that will forever remain indelible in the history of Ondo State and indeed Nigeria.
“As I speak to you, a team of highly dedicated and professional naval personnel are in Imo conducting the bridge region solvent of the sea, assess development route of the state starting from Oguta Lake through Orasi River to the Atlantic Ocean.
“When this is completed, it will afford the navy the opportunity of deploying platforms to enhance vital security in the area and also facilitate and optimise evacuation of abundant gas reserves thereby adding to the economic development of our dear state, in particular and that of Nigeria in general.
“I must acknowledge that the Nigerian navy has made significant strides in enhancing maritime domain awareness through hydrographic surveys and charting activities.”
On his part, the acting governor of Ondo State, Chief Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the event had affirmed the commitment of the government to harnessing the potential of its waterways for the betterment of the nation.
Aiyedatiwa said that Nigeria could boast of an extensive network of rivers and water landscape that had long been recognised as essential content for trade, transportation and economic growth.
He said the nation could experience unprecedented economic growth by harnessing the power of its rivers for trade and commerce leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced logistic cost and a more sustainable transport system.
This, according to him, will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, which will eventually attract local and foreign investment, breathing new life into the maritime sector.
He said that Ondo State, with its abundant natural resources, strategic location and business friendly environment, had been adjudged to be one of the safest states and an enticing destination for investment, import infrastructure, shipbuilding, maritime logistics and offshore exploration.
He thanked the Nigerian navy for its focus and determination in ensuring the completion of the chart project in spite of the economic challenges at the time.
According to him, the Alape Charts, meticulously crafted by the Nigerian navy, will serve as an invaluable resource for navigation along the river.
The managing director, NIWA, Mr George Moghalu, commended navy for playing a key role in the business of safety and secured navigation in the nation’s waterways.
Moghalu described navy’s effort as lofty imprints that could never be overemphasised, adding that the WHD had demonstrated the love for the ocean and the blue economy of Nigeria, which NIWA was driving to achieve.
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