Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has asked the Federal Government to locate the headquarters of the newly created 83 Division of the Nigerian Army in the state, citing Delta’s strategic location and concentration of critical national assets.
Oborevwori made the request on Tuesday when he received a Nigerian Army Headquarters committee on a stakeholders’ consultative visit to the state.
The committee, led by the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Major-General Thompson Bobby Ugiagbe, was in Delta as part of consultations on the realignment of the Army’s Areas of Responsibility following the creation of the new division.
The governor argued that Delta was best positioned to host the division headquarters because of its proximity to Edo and Bayelsa states, which will also fall under the new division.
He said locating the headquarters in Delta would enable the Army to respond faster to security threats and protect strategic national assets across the South-South.
Oborevwori maintained that Delta remained ready to provide the necessary support and cooperation toward the successful establishment of the headquarters in the state.
Delta State is more central. Somebody coming from Edo will come through Delta, while somebody coming from Bayelsa to Edo will also pass through Delta. If the headquarters is located here, everybody can connect to the centre,” Oborevwori said.
The governor also pointed to Delta’s importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, saying the state hosts a significant concentration of critical infrastructure that requires adequate security.
He listed three airports in Asaba, Osubi and Escravos, as well as seaports in Warri, Burutu, Sapele and Koko, among the strategic facilities that need protection.
He added that the initiative, if approved, would further reinforce Delta’s position as a strategic centre for security, commerce and regional development.
