Oborevwori Stresses Security as Key to Economic Growth

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the importance of strengthening internal security mechanisms as a critical foundation for sustainable economic development, stating that peace and safety are indispensable to attracting investment and fostering growth across all sectors.

Governor Oborevwori made the assertion on Monday when he received 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, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

While welcoming the officers, the governor emphasized that his administration remains firmly committed to creating a secure and business-friendly environment in line with his MORE Agenda. He noted that security is not only a social necessity but also a major economic driver that directly impacts the state’s GDP and development outcomes.

“Our administration places security and social stability at the forefront. Without prioritizing security, inclusive development would remain a mirage,” Oborevwori stated. “We recognize the importance of intelligence gathering in security management and have established dedicated offices to coordinate these efforts.”

Speaking on the theme of the participants’ study tour, “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security”, the governor described the topic as highly relevant to Nigeria’s current security discourse. He expressed optimism that the findings from their field research would yield practical solutions to emerging threats that have impacted both national security and economic performance.

He commended Brig. Gen. Grema for his exceptional dedication to peace and national service, recalling his tenure as a Sector Commander in Delta State as one marked by professionalism and tangible progress in the security sector.

Oborevwori disclosed that Delta State has maintained strong collaboration with the federal government and provided logistics support to all security agencies, including the Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force. He added that the absence of attacks on oil installations in the state since his assumption of office was a testament to the government’s strategic relationships with host communities and key stakeholders.

“You served here as a Sector Commander, so you know that we take security very seriously,” he said. “Our regular security council meetings with heads of all security agencies underscore our proactive stance in addressing potential threats.”

The governor urged the visiting officers to take full advantage of their tour, particularly their interactions with traditional rulers and local institutions, noting that their grassroots engagements would provide critical insights to guide their research.

“We are open to your findings and recommendations. They will help us refine our strategies and strengthen our internal security framework,” he added.

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Grema expressed his delight at returning to Delta State, which he described as home, as part of the College’s environmental study tour. He disclosed that the Senior Course 47 participants had been dispatched in eight teams across Nigeria to conduct strategic field studies.

“The Armed Forces Command and Staff College is a tri-service institution that trains operational-level military officers to the highest professional standards,” he said. “We also include officers from other African countries such as Tanzania and Mali, and collaborate with institutions in Ghana and South Africa.”

He added that participants from paramilitary agencies, including the Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, and State Security Service, also benefit from the College’s programs.

Grema praised Governor Oborevwori’s deep connection to the grassroots, stating that the team had come to the right place for in-depth insights into local security architecture. “If there’s anyone I know to be close to the grassroots, it is His Excellency,” he remarked. “If you have worked in Delta State, even if you leave, the state doesn’t leave you.”

He noted that the 57-member team would focus on Delta State’s grassroots security initiatives as part of a broader national effort to address internal security challenges through data-driven strategies.