From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Agbor, the commercial hub of the Ika people in Delta State, was agog last week as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori inaugurated 30 units of one-bedroom flats for officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Ika South local government area.
The project, which started in 2023 during the tenure of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, an Ika man, was commissioned by the governor amidst fanfare.
Inaugurating the edifice, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who represented the governor at the event, said that the housing project was not just about new buildings but a reaffirmation of government’s commitment to the welfare of its soldiers and the security architecture that guarantees peace and development.
While pledging to continue supporting the welfare of security personnel in the state, Oborevwori commended the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Irabor, for his contributions in attracting the barracks to Delta, and lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed commitment to tackling security challenges nationwide.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade and the 181 Amphibious Battalion, for their sacrifices in combating oil theft, criminality and other threats to peace in the state and the region.
“The 30 units of one-bedroom flats we are commissioning today symbolize our determination to improve the living conditions of the men and women who daily put their lives on the line for our safety.
“Decent accommodation for our soldiers is not only about welfare, it is about boosting morale and enabling them to discharge their duties with even greater dedication,” the governor said.
Oborevwori noted that the project was in line with the Meaningful Development and Enhanced Peace and Security pillars of his administration’s MORE agenda, stressing that development and security must go hand in hand.
Delta State commissioner for housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, explained that the project for which contract was awarded in March 2023, comprised 30 one-bedroom flats for officers and soldiers of the 181 Battalion.
He lauded Oborevwori for completing the project, describing it as a bold step in supporting the Army and strengthening security in the state.
The Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. Bukar Dabo, also thanked the state government for the intervention, noting that the housing units would go a long way in enhancing the welfare of officers and sustaining peace in the area.
Welcoming guests earlier, Chairman of Ika South LGA, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, praised the governor for approving the project, adding that the presence of the Army in the area had significantly improved the security of lives and property.
The representative of the Dein of Agbor, Chief Boniface Ebite, said the people of Agbor were proud of Oborevwori’s achievements, stressing that the town’s strategic location made the project particularly significant and assured the Governor of the support of Agbor people in the years ahead.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials and top military officers, including the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. M. A. Shonibare.
