Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has applauded the Nigerian Navy for surveying and charting the nation’s waters to promote security and economic activities.
Uzodinma stated this at the World Hydrography Day with the Theme, “Hydrography: Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean '' organized by the navy on June 21 in Abuja.
Interestingly, the Navy also used the event to unveil seven new navigational charts for River Alape, from Ondo to Lagos sea.
The Governor hinted that the opening of the waterways would deepen the development of the economies of littoral states, noting that water bodies have historically been central to human evolution and civilization.
On his part, some of the littoral states have been working with the navy to facilitate navigation revolution in their states.
He however commended the Ondo State Governor, Chief Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for engaging the services of the Nigerian navy to survey, chart and open Alape River, from Ilaje to Apapa in Lagos, to boost economic activities including transportation, agriculture and tourism.
Uzodinma said,"this is a laudable milestone that will forever remain indelible in the history of Ondo state and Nigeria."
“As I speak to you, a team of highly dedicated and professional naval personnel are in Imo conducting the bridge region solvent of the sea, assessing development routes of the state starting from Oguta Lake through Orasi River to the Atlantic Ocean.
The governor urged all stakeholders, federal and state governments to form necessary bonds to harness potentials for the development of the digital twin of the entire Nigerian maritime space.
He said it would help in supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development of the blue economy markets.
Additionally, the Managing Director, NIWA, Mr George Moghalu, applauded the Navy for playing a key role in the business of safety and security in the nation’s waterways.
Moghalu described navy’s effort as lofty, adding that the World Hydrography Day was marked to demonstrate love for the ocean and the blue economy of Nigeria, which NIWA was driving to achieve.
He said that NIWA would continue to develop sustainable and efficient inland water transportation and boost economic activities in the country.