By Nkechi Eze
As part of his ongoing familiarization tour of key stakeholders within the Port Harcourt area, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral RO Obeya, on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, paid a series of courtesy visits to critical maritime and security institutions in Rivers State. These included the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Eastern Zone, the Rivers State Police Command, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Rivers State Command.
The day’s engagements began with a visit to the NIMASA Eastern Zonal Office in Port Harcourt, where Rear Admiral Obeya was warmly received by the Zonal Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Umar Sidi, along with other senior officials of the agency. Mr Sidi, while welcoming the FOC, commended the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast role in ensuring maritime security and its continued support in combating illicit activities in Nigeria’s waters. He described the Navy as an indispensable partner in the collective effort to ensure a secure and thriving maritime environment. “The Nigerian Navy remains a strong support system in the discharge of our duties, and we consider the Navy a valued partner in progress,” Mr Sidi affirmed.
Continuing his tour, the FOC proceeded to the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. The CP congratulated Rear Admiral Obeya on his appointment and emphasized the critical need for synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the police. He expressed confidence in strengthening existing ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration between both security institutions. According to him, “We look forward to solidifying our relationship with NAVTRAC to jointly achieve our shared security objectives.”
Rear Admiral Obeya’s final stop was the Nigeria Immigration Service, Rivers State Command, where he met with the Comptroller of Immigration, CIS Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Yabagi. The FOC reiterated the Navy’s willingness to deepen collaboration, acknowledging the strategic role played by the NIS in maritime and border security operations. He pledged to enhance mutual support and underscored the significance of cooperation among security agencies in delivering on national mandates.
In his closing remarks at each stop, Rear Admiral Obeya expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage. He reiterated his desire to strengthen relationships and foster deeper inter-agency cooperation. He also highlighted the availability of various specialized Nigerian Navy schools under NAVTRAC, which could support the training and capacity development needs of personnel from sister agencies.
