Recently, participants of Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, led by the Director of Coordination, Brigadier-General Al-Hassan Grema, who were in Delta State for a study tour, paid a courtesy call on the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba. Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Oborevwori emphasised that strengthening internal security mechanisms is pivotal to fostering sustainable economic growth.
The Governor noted that peace and safety attract investment and promote development across sectors, adding that his administration remains committed to creating a secure and business-friendly environment.
While maintaining that security was not only a social necessity but also an economic driver, he commended Brig. Gen. Grema for his longstanding dedication to national peace and development, particularly recalling his outstanding service as a former Sector Commander in the state.
Speaking on the theme of the participants’ study tour, ‘Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security,’ the governor said, “It is highly relevant to Nigeria’s current security discourse. If well researched, it will offer practical solutions to emerging security challenges that have negatively impacted our GDP, in addition to the tragic loss of lives.”
Highlighting his administration’s strategic approach, Governor Oborevwori said his administration placed security and social stability at the forefront in line with his MORE Agenda, stressing that “without prioritising security, inclusive development would remain a mirage. The state recognises the importance of intelligence gathering in security management and has established several offices dedicated to coordinating this effort.”
He added that Delta State has maintained strong cooperation with the federal government by providing logistical support to various security agencies, including the Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“You served here as a Sector Commander, so you know that we take security very seriously. Since we came into office, there have been no attacks on oil installations–thanks to our excellent relationships with host communities, stakeholders, and national leaders,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that the state’s regular Security Council meetings, involving heads of security agencies, underscored its proactive approach in addressing threats. He expressed confidence that the visiting officers’ interactions with traditional rulers and field studies would provide useful insights and support the objectives of their research.
“I urge you to take full advantage of this tour. We are also open to your recommendations at the end of your visit,” the governor added while welcoming the course participants to the oil-rich state.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Grema said it was an honour to return to Delta State, which he considers home, as part of the College’s environmental study tour. He noted that Senior Course 47 has dispatched eight teams to different states across the federation to conduct field research.
“The Armed Forces Command and Staff College is a tri-service institution that trains operational-level military officers to the highest professional standards. It also develops their understanding to prepare them for higher staff and command roles,” he said
He revealed that the College includes students from sister African countries, with participants from Tanzania and Mali joining the Delta State tour, saying “we also have exchange programmes with Colleges in Ghana and South Africa and train officers from paramilitary agencies including the Immigration Service, Police, and the State Security Service.”
Brig. Gen. Grema expressed confidence that Delta State was the right location for the tour, praising Governor Oborevwori’s deep-rooted connection to the grassroots, stressing that “if there is anyone I know to be close to the grassroots, it is His Excellency. The students have come to the right place for first-hand insights into grassroots operations.”
According to him, the 57-member team will gather data on Delta State’s security initiatives, particularly at the grassroots level, as part of their broader objective to address national security concerns, remarking that “if you have worked in Delta State, even if you leave, the state doesn’t leave you.”
In another development, Governor Oborevwori has expressed optimism that they would welcome former Governor James Ibori to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during the vigil Mass that was recently held in honour of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Amos Utuama, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, Oborevwori stressed the need for unity of the Urhobo political class.
Paying glowing tribute to the late Prof. Utuama, the Governor highlighted his selfless contributions, saying, “I am very happy to be here today, seeing this large gathering for one man. The preaching today is not about the dead, it is about the living.
“There are many things he did while he was alive. I will mention just a few key ones. The land allocated to him in Asaba, while he was Deputy Governor, he donated to the Catholic Church, and he also contributed to building the church. To me, that is a kingdom investment.”
Governor Oborevwori prayed that the passing of the late Prof. Utuama would bring peace and unity to Ughelli South and the entire Urhobo nation, even as he extolled Utuama’s virtues, noting that he lived a purposeful life. “He lived well and died well.”
In his exhortation, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, affirmed that the late Prof. Amos Utuama lived an impactful life in both the Church and society. Bishop Ewherido condoled with the family and urged them to uphold his legacy of godliness, humility, charity, and selflessness.
He described the death of a Christian as a transition to eternal glory and reminded all of the need to accept Christ while alive to enjoy eternity after physical death. The Bishop called for continued unity among the political class for the peace and development of Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of the family, a son of the deceased, Mr. Ovie Utuama, thanked everyone for their support and requested prayers during this difficult period.
