Date Published: 09/02/09

Akpabio assures navy of social amenities at Ikot Abasi

Akwa Ibom Government has stated its readiness to provide more social amenities to facilitate the speedy take-off of a Naval Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

 The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya I. Ibrahim had, on Monday at the official opening of a five-day Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital, announced plans by the Navy to establish a Naval Base at Ikot Abasi.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio who made this known Wednesday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo said already, the government has provided good road network and completed Independent Power Plant and the study of Maritime-based course in the Akwa Ibom State University reopening soon, among others to aid the Naval Base Ikot Abasi.

“We would create an enabling environment for the establishment of a Naval Base at Ikot Abasi. The area has one of the best sea waters, which does not need dredging for the establishment of a deep seaport to promote trading activities in Nigeria and in the Gulf of Guinea”, Akpabio hinted.

He appealed to the Chief of Naval Staff to commence the construction of the Naval Base in order to ensure its commissioning during the tenure of his administration.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for choosing Akwa Ibom among other competing states as a preferred choice for this year’s CONSAC, saying that “Events in the Niger Delta region has proved that you made the right choice because of tumults in some areas. Our people are peaceable and hospitable. The state is safe for visitors and the event you are holding”.

The state chief executive officer thanked the Navy for adhering to merit and excellence shown in the promotion of some Akwa Ibom indigenes such as Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen, among others to man some key positions in the Navy.

Akpabio, who described the Naval Chief as a humane, humble and intelligent officer praised him for bringing an array of retired and serving naval officers to the state for the conference, which depicts his good quality leadership style.

Earlier, Vice Admiral Ibrahim had extolled the love, hospitality and ambience in the state and thanked the governor for the serious attention given to the conference which was a proof that Navy made a right choice.

Ibrahim congratulated the governor on the unprecedented infrastructural revolution, and urged him to continue developmental pace, saying that it was Godswill for him to lead the Akwa Ibom people.