The traditional ruler of Iworo Kingdom, Oba Oladele Kosoko, on Saturday handed over a newly built naval post to Capt. Leye Omotayo of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos.
The handover ceremony took place in the Epeme community, Iworo area of Badagry, Lagos, and was aimed at enhancing security along the waterways.
Speaking shortly before the official ceremony, Omotayo, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Nigerian Navy, Badagry, said the naval post should serve as a model for other neighboring communities.
According to him, “The military is always available. We are public servants, and we are here to serve you and give you our all.
“Whatever the traditional ruler of Iworo is doing today will further strengthen the presence of the military in his domain.
“Our mandate in Badagry and its environs is to ensure safety on the waterways and beyond, and we will continue to fulfil it.
“Badagry is one of the few towns that host multiple government agencies – the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Correctional Centre, and others.”
He stated that the facility, complemented by an existing community jetty, was intended to support troop deployment and enhance operational endurance in the area.
He also assured the traditional ruler that the post donated to the Navy would be put to proper and effective use.
“I want to assure you that the building you donated to the Nigerian Navy will be properly used, and it will further increase our presence in your community.
“For our fishing community, I want to urge you not to be afraid when you see our personnel; they are here to serve and protect you.
“If you encounter any danger at any time of the day, do not hesitate to call us, whether on the waterways or on land. We are ready to serve you.
“On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Abass, let me express our appreciation to the traditional ruler for giving us this post,” he said.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler said the idea of building the post was inspired by God but made possible through him.
Kosoko said the purpose of the post was to ensure the protection of lives and property in the Epeme and Iworo communities.
“Security matters should not be left to the government alone. Security must be paramount in our minds.
“I have built a Police post and a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) post in Iworo to ensure the safety of my people.
“To strengthen security on our waterways, I promised to build a post for the Navy when the commanding officer of the FOB paid a courtesy visit to my office earlier this year.
“We are not stopping here. We are also going to build an Army post so that soldiers, like the Navy, can come and protect us,” he said.
Kosoko appealed to the traditional chiefs in Epeme, where the post is located, to periodically check on the naval personnel deployed to the area to ensure their well-being.
The Akran of Badagry, Aholu Toyi I, who was represented by Prince Yemi Akran, stated the security of lives and property was very important.
“This is a commendable initiative, and I want to praise the Oniworo for coming up with this noble idea,” he said.
In his remarks, the Council Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Peter Kumayon, commended the monarch for constructing the post for naval personnel in the council.
He was represented by Mr Solomon Adele, the LCDA Vice-Chairman.
Kumayon assured the personnel that the council would provide the necessary support to ensure the security of the waterways in the area.
He also urged the people of Epeme community to cooperate with the deployed personnel.
The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile, called for enhanced collaboration in information gathering to ensure the safety of everyone in the council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the naval post was formally inaugurated and handed over to the commanding officer by the traditional ruler for operational use.
