President Tinubu’s Commitment to a Secure and Prosperous Nigeria Highlighted by First Lady

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to a more secure and prosperous nation.

The statement was made during the launch of two High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Nigerian Navy in Ankara, Turkey.

The event, which took place on April 19, 2024, highlighted the strategic importance of these vessels in combating maritime crimes and fostering economic development through the blue economy.

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the President’s dedication to ensuring the security of the country remains a top priority, with the acquisition of the vessels as a testament to this commitment.

“The acquisition of the High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels is another feat in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to Nigerian Navy’s Fleet renewal efforts towards a more secured maritime environment for Nigeria’s economic prosperity,” she stated.

The First Lady commended Dearsan Shipyard for its high-quality ship-building capabilities and expressed optimism that the newly launched vessels would significantly enhance the nation’s maritime sector.

She also acknowledged the strong relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Turkish Government, emphasizing the potential for further cooperation in both security and economic development.

Dr. Mohammed Mattawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, echoed the First Lady’s sentiments, noting that the vessels would have a significant impact on the Nigerian Navy’s ability to secure the nation’s territorial waters and improve the blue economy.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Oglala, also highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian Navy and his resolve to provide the necessary resources to enhance their work. He believes this will lead to a reduction in maritime crimes.

Representatives from the Turkish Government, including Deputy Minister of Defence Suay Alpay and Secretary of Defence Haluk Gorgun, expressed their eagerness for further cooperation with Nigeria, both in the security and economic spheres.

In a symbolic gesture, the First Lady performed the traditional task of slipping the ship into water, signifying the start of a new era in Nigeria’s maritime security and economic development.

The launch of these vessels marks a significant step forward in President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of maritime security for economic growth and the potential for international cooperation in achieving these goals.