RADIO NIGERIA
President Mohamadu Buhari has inaugurated a newly completed jetty and shoreline protection facility at Underwater Warfare School, Ojo Lagos.
This brings to two hundred and ten, the number of ecological funds projects completed and inaugurated by the present administration.
In a speech, the president who was the special Guest of Honour at the event stated that the approval for the construction of the facilities at Underwater Warfare School, Ojo, was in accordance with Federal Government’s commitment to enhance the professionalism of officers and men of the service and by extension stimulate the aggressive drive of securing the country against criminal elements and bandits.
Represented by the Minister of State for Health Senator Olorunmbe Mamora, the president said he felt honoured with his invitation as the Special Guest of honour, not only because the project was dear to the school, but also because it was keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that no sector would suffer neglect owing to it’s geographical or political consideration.
“The completion of this project has further demonstrated Mr. President’s commitment to addressing problems confronting various communities across the country.
“By and large, the intervention of the Federal Government in the Shoreline protection works and construction of Jetty brought about huge relief and assuage the fear of menace of erosion and other ecological challenges in the area.
“This Federal Government intervention project was executed through the Ecological Fund Office, office of the secretary to the goverment of the Federation for the benefit of the Nigerian Navy at the Underwater War School in Lagos State
“Permit me to mention that the present administration swiftly approval in the second quarter of 2018 the request because of it’s strategic importance especially in the capacity building drive of the Nigerian Navy, the provision of a modern jetty and protection of the shoreline as well as the upgrade of the existing system will no doubt meet the benchmark of a world class training arena for the Nigerian Navy which of course is in line with International best practices.
While expressing his deep appreciation to the secretary to the goverment of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Ecological fund office and the contractors for the timely completion of the project, President Buhari thanked the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo , Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu and the entire people of Lagos State for their cooperation and support during the project execution.
He implored the state government and the Underwater Warfare school to cherish the laudable projects and protect it from abuse.
Receiving the project on behalf of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo who was decorated less than 24 hours before the occasion, thanked President Mohamadu Buhari and the secretary to the Goverment of the Federal, Mr. Boss Mustapha for the timely release of money for the project, which he noted would to a large extent enhance the operational competencies of his officers, protect the school against the destructive effects of tidal waves and enhance the aesthetic outlook of the area.
While describing the project as very strategic, Vice Admiral Gambo appealed to the presidency to assist the Navy more by granting its approval for the dredging of the shoreline and to expand it to accommodate more vessels.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Funds Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal, represented by a director in the office, Alhaji Yusuf Adi explained that the menace caused by the high ocean current and it’s risks on the shoreline as well as lives and property within the Underwater school, necessited the prompt Intervention of the Federal Government.
Dr. Lawal, said the tradition of organising the handover ceremony in collaboration with the host community, served the dual purpose of having the host community take ownership of the project for sustainability sake.
Other dignitaries at the occasion which had in attendance senior officers of the Nigerian Navy including the Flag officer commanding western naval command Rear Admiral Oladele Daji and the Lagos State Governor , Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented by the state commissioner for Environmental, Mr. Tunji Bello.