The Edo State Government, through the state’s Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), has procured additional four armoured gunboats and four speedboats to curb criminal activities along the state’s coastal areas and waterways.
Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, who spoke to journalists on behalf of other board members, immediately after inspecting the gun and speed boats, said the commission has now acquired eight gunboats and eight speed boats to strengthen security on its waterways and stop the activities of sea pirates.
He said the new armoured equipment will improve security in three oil and gas producing communities, including Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area (LGA) and Gelegele, Ovia North East LGA of the state.
The commission’s chair further noted that the acquisition of the boats was part of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to create a business-friendly environment and attract more investment into the state, in line with government’s vision to make Edo great again.
He added that “the gun and speed boats will be handed over to the Marine police command of the Nigerian Police Force to improve service delivery to the people of the communities and curtail the activities of sea pirates and other criminal elements on the waterways.”
Osifo hailed Obaseki for his commitment to ameliorating the plights of Edo people through EDSOGPADEC, reassuring of his relentless support at ensuring the realisation of the governor’s Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda.
