Otunba Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, has expressed his profound gratitude to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the issuance and presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Navy Forward Operational Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside Local Government.
Senator Daniel in a letter dated August 10, 2024, highlighted the significance of this gesture, noting that it paves the way for immediate commencement of construction on the site. The project has secured funding of up to two billion naira (N2 billion) in the 2024 Appropriation, thanks to the support of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senator emphasized the historical importance of the site, which was originally donated by the local community through traditional rulers for naval hydrographic purposes. However, little progress had been made until his emergence as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, which provided an opportunity to revitalize the project with an expanded scope.
Particular mention was made of His Royal Majesty, Oba S.K. Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, whose unwavering support and interventions were crucial in driving the project forward. Senator Daniel also acknowledged the efforts of other traditional rulers in Ogun Waterside, including the Ojotumoro of Abigi and the Osobia of Makun, whose fears of losing the project to another state have been allayed.
Senator Daniel commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Nigerian Navy team for their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime assets and their strong partnership on this project.
The Senator concluded by expressing his gratitude to President Tinubu for his relentless efforts in securing Nigeria’s territorial waters and supporting the actualization of this vital project.
Once construction is underway, the Navy Forward Operational Base in Abigi is expected to bolster the security infrastructure of Ogun Waterside and enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operational capabilities.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
