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Governor Alex Otti has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to nation building especially in the areas of education, healthcare and community development.
This is as the Governor has extolled the legacy of former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe (retd) on the occasion of his 86th birthday, describing him as a distinguished Nigerian with sound character and a proven track record of excellence.
Otti made the commendation during the commissioning of projects at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance (NNCAF), Owerrinta, Abia State.
The projects include the College’s improved internal roads, resurfaced parade ground, reconstructed swimming pool and 10 by one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers.
Governor Otti who noted that education and security were closely linked, said, “We are as interested in education as we are in security because, of a truth, both are intricately connected.”
The Governor added that investment in human capital development would equip young people with useful skills and reduce their vulnerability to crime.
Otti expressed hope that the Navy would expand its educational activities in the State to include secondary and vocational institutions.
He commended the College for its medical outreach to residents of the host community and neighbouring communities, as well as its partnership with the Abia State Leadership Academy during the 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp.
Gov. Otti urged the Navy to sustain its community service initiatives and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, assuring that his administration would continue to support security institutions and public establishments serving the people of Abia, irrespective of where their personnel draw their salaries.
On the proposed Azumini Seaport, Governor Otti welcomed the Nigerian Navy’s willingness to collaborate with the State Government, expressing interest in establishing a Naval Base in the area as part of preparations for the project. He disclosed that feasibility studies are ongoing and expressed confidence in its eventual realisation.
“We want to work with you closely to have a Naval Base in Azumini as a preparatory step for the seaport. I can assure you that the seaport will be a reality,” Governor Otti stated.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, speaking, commended Governor Otti for supporting infrastructural development at the NNCAF, Owerrinta, describing the partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Navy as vital for effective training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, the Chief of the Naval Staff equally commended security agencies for their collaboration in maintaining peace in Abia State, noting that the proposed Azumini Seaport could create opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
He harped on the importance of adequate security arrangements to protect the proposed project and its supporting infrastructure, while explaining that the establishment of a Naval Base in the area would require careful consideration of operational requirements, logistics and funding.
He urged the College management to maintain the facilities and charged personnel to uphold discipline, accountability and integrity, adding that resources entrusted to the Navy belong to the Nigerian people and must be managed responsibly.
Commandant of the College, Commodore Babatunde Quadri had earlier expressed appreciation to Governor Otti and the Chief of the Naval Staff for their contributions to the College’s infrastructural development.
He said the projects were testimony to the value of institutional cooperation and responsible resource management, noting that the improved roads, parade ground, swimming pool and transit accommodation would create a more conducive environment for training, professional development and personnel welfare.
Commodore Quadri reaffirmed the College’s commitment to producing disciplined, competent and ethically grounded personnel while supporting internal security operations in collaboration with other agencies.
Giving details of the projects, the Training Commander of NNCAF, Navy Captain Mohammed Umar, explained that the approximately 1-kilometre stretch of previously unpaved internal roads was approved by Governor Otti in April 2025. Construction commenced in April 2026 and was completed in September 2026.
He further disclosed that the Abia State Government provided asphalt paving equipment, heavy-duty machinery and technical personnel for the resurfacing of the parade ground, which was completed in the first week of October 2026, following approval and funding by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Meanwhile, Governor Otti has extolled the legacy of the former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe.
Celebrating the former Nigerian number two man during his 86th birthday, Otti described him as a distinguished Nigerian with sound character and a proven track record of excellence.
“It is a thing of joy to celebrate a father figure; a distinguished Nigerian statesman and an accomplished military professional with sound character and a proven track record of excellence. Ochiagha Ebitu Okoh Ukiwe is, by all estimations, a national icon with sound principles and impeccable character. He is indeed the pride of Abia, hence we are glad and proud to celebrate him on a day like this.”
Governor Otti recalled how Commodore Ukiwe resigned his exalted position as the number two citizen of the country to uphold his principles and reputation, describing him as a rare gem who should be referenced as a great example to the present generation of politicians and public office holders.
Otti equally remembered the role Commodore Ukiwe played in the fight to restore democracy in Nigeria when he led other compatriots to form NADECO which fought for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 victory of the late Chief M.K.O Abiola, and called on the nation to give him his due recognition for the exemplary roles he played for the peace of the nation and for the restoration of democracy.
