by crossriverwatch admin
The First Gulf of Guinea Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Conference in Calabar will not just transform the sub-zone but build stronger formation amongst member nations.
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State made the assertion at a state banquet in honor of participants of the conference, saying that Cross River being a coastal state that shares borders with many countries stands to benefit from it.
Imoke remarked that the state being the under belly of the Nigerian Navy (NN), means it is natural for the conference to have held in Calabar and he appreciated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, the initiator of the conference, for his innovative ideas since he assumed office.
He said the impact of Ezeoba is felt greatly in the state being the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command and commended him for starting the construction work at the Navy Hospital, Calabar which was abandoned for 35 years, adding that the facility will be of tremendous benefit to the state by promoting its health care delivery service.
While expressing gratitude for being given the opportunity to the share with the various participants that came for the conference, Imoke restated that the state is focused on developing an economy that is not driven by oil but positions itself as a destination of repute within the south-south geo-political zone, which is known for peace and tourism as well as a destination for conferences.
The governor remarked that, the navy has added color and beauty to what is done in the state and therefore urged the dignitaries to be part of Calabar Festival, which is a celebration of culture and beauty of Nigeria as well as an expression of what it represents as a great country.
Chief of Naval Staff and the initiator of the conference, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, said the choice of Calabar was well thought out and lauded the Governor and his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke for being good hosts.
Ezeoba explained that delegates took time out to design a way to address maritime situation within the Gulf of Guinea and fashioned the way forward.
Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Edem (retired) proposed a toast to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Osundu to Nigerian Navy and Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem to Cross River State.
Chief of Naval Staff presented a memento which, symbolizes what the navy stands for in the future to Governor Imoke as a gratitude and as was followed by the Contre Admiral (Chief of Naval Staff) of the Ivorian Navy, Djakorida Konare while Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke presented souvenirs to other delegates.
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