From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, has pledged the Nigerian Navy’s support to boost oil production in the country.
Speaking during a visit by the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, at the Command’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and security agencies to combat oil theft and related crimes.
He noted that the Navy is working with other agencies, including NUPRC, NNPPRA, and NNPC, to increase crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels by 2027 and highlighted the launch of Operation Delta Sentinel, aimed at curbing oil theft and promoting lawful exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The Admiral urged the media to educate the public on the dangers of oil theft and the benefits of lawful oil exploration, emphasizing a “whole of society approach” to addressing the issue, assuring that the Navy is leveraging technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to detect and respond to oil theft activities.
Ibrahim commended the UCC for its commitment to balanced reporting and pledged the Navy’s support for the organization’s efforts to promote peace and development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC), Mr. Ekuankumo Amgbare highlighted the cordial relationship between the UCC and the Naval Command, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring maritime security.
Amgbare noted that a crime-free marine environment is essential for progress and development in the state and Nigeria at large.
He congratulated Admiral Ibrahim on his appointment, praising his swift actions in the first three months in office.
The UCC chairman reaffirmed the UCC’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and balance in reporting, offering to propagate the Command’s anti-piracy efforts.
In a related development, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, has performed the ground breaking for the construction of Senior and Junior Ratings Mess at the Command’s headquarters.
Speaking during the ceremony, Suleimsn said the project aimed at enhancing the welfare, boosting their morale and increasing the productivity of naval personnel.
He emphasized the importance of the facility, saying it would provide a social environment for personnel to relax and interact after a hard day’s work.
He urged the project officer to ensure high standards and timely completion of the project.
The Admiral thanked the Commander Nigerian Naval Ship Soroh, Commodore Akinbami for initiating the project, saying it would be a testament to his tenure and urged officers tasked with responsibilities to always ensure thy leave a lasting impact behind that they wiould be ultimately remembered for after service.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander Nigerian Naval Ship Soroh, Commodore O. A Akinbami said the project which is Command’s Ratings Mess is expected to be completed in 90 days.
Akinbami further said the construction of the Mess is in line with the CNCand FOC’s philosophy to prioritize the welfare of officers and men, adding that the sporting facility in the Command is also being renovated and is expected to be completed in ten days.
