Rita Enemuru, Reporting

WARRI — The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has called for sustained joint security efforts with sister agencies and stakeholders to tackle the myriad of insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, made the appeal during a dinner event held at the NNS Delta Auditorium in Warri, which marked the climax of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Nigerian Navy.

He urged stakeholders, in particular, to provide timely information capable of nipping any threats in Nigerian waterways within the base’s area of responsibility.

“I welcome you all most warmly to this dinner, the climax of activities marking 70 years of the Nigerian Navy. Tonight, we celebrate not just a milestone in our history, but a week of service that brought the Navy closer to the people we exist to defend,” Commodore Tasiu said.

“Tonight, I seek even more support from you. Support us with timely information to secure our waterways, support our civil-military programmes, and continue to see the Navy as your Navy. Together, we will build a safer Delta and a stronger Nigeria.”

The Commander recounted that NNS Delta began the 70th anniversary celebrations on May 23 with a Widows Outreach Programme, during which over 200 widows from host communities received food items, spiritual and health talks, as well as an assurance of support from the Delta State Government.

“We honoured their sacrifice and resilience, because strong families build a strong nation,” he stated.

On May 25, the base conducted an Educational Rhapsody at Ogiame Primary School, distributing about 1,200 notebooks, textbooks and teaching aids. Every pupil received a school bag. “By investing in those children, we invest in the future of Nigeria. Education remains the surest path to national development,” Commodore Tasiu added.

The celebrations also featured the commissioning of projects, including a 30×1 self-contained senior rates accommodation fully financed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, as well as a furnished executive accommodation for the base’s executive officer.

A Medical Rhapsody on May 30 saw over 1,000 persons benefit from free consultations, laboratory tests, eye and dental checks, drugs and health education provided by the Nigerian Navy Hospital Warri.

Sports activities on June 2 and 3 included football, volleyball and tug-of-war matches. The high point was a mixed-agency football and tug-of-war contest, with teams comprising men and women from all security and paramilitary agencies.

“We played as teams to demonstrate that better inter-agency collaboration, anchored on teamwork, training and shared responsibility, can defeat any challenge,” Commodore Tasiu said. He noted that this should serve as a model for joint operations in the creeks and beyond.

The Commander thanked the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, for presenting the base’s requests to the Governor and following them through to a logical conclusion, describing it as “true statesmanship”.

He also acknowledged Vice Admiral DPE Omotsola, the 10th Chief of the Naval Staff, who joined the Navy when it was just seven years old. “Your fatherly advice, professional guidance, motivation and encouragement have been a source of strength to officers and ratings of NNS Delta,” he said.

Vice Admiral Omotsola expressed happiness with the institution’s transformation over the decades. “For the Nigerian Navy, I am extremely happy that we are 70 years. We have gone through a lot. The Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Police. We have gone through a lot but never allowed challenges to overcome us,” he said.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the marine police in securing the state’s waterways. “The Nigerian Navy has been our partners. We have had synergy with them to police the waterways with our marine police, and we are really proud of our relationship,” he said.

On behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner added: “We in the Nigeria Police Force are here to celebrate with the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta for achieving this feather over the past 70 years.”

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, was full of praise for the Navy, commending it for the prevailing peace in the state.

Executive Officer of NNS Delta, Navy Captain Daniel Beecroft, also commended the successful programmes lined up for the celebrations and gave kudos to Commander Commodore Tasiu for his guidance and counsel throughout the events.