Ogun partners Navy to secure Tongeji Island

Ogun State government has pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy for the protection of lives and property of Nigerians living on Tongeji Island, in Ipokia Local Council of the state.

The state’s governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this when the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdulahi, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor said the Island remained an essential part of Nigeria and Ogun State, noting that all efforts would be geared towards making inhabitants of the Island feel a sense of belonging.

He said: “Tongeji Island remains a vibrant part of our country, our state and Ipokia Local Council. But the problem was that there is no road connection to the Island.

“I must put on record efforts of the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff in respect to insecurity and the feeling of being alienated by our people there, who feel abandoned and not being cared for. I recalled I had a meeting with the National Security Adviser on the issue of insecurity on the Island.

“That Island is a front burner project for us and again. I want to thank the Nigerian Navy for the renewed commitment they have demonstrated by the deployment of their men to that Island.

“Before, their presence was very scanty on that Island, but now, there is more and more presence of the men of the Navy providing security and giving our people a sense of belonging.”

Abiodun said his administration would support the Navy in securing the Island as it is blessed with abundant minerals and natural resources, which the state government plans to explore in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

He said as the industrial, religious and educational capital of the nation, with a lot of cross-border movements, a lot of pressure is put on the security architecture, which makes security agencies in the state work extra hard.

Governor Abiodun appreciated officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for working in synergy with other security agencies, saying it has contributed to making the state one of the most peaceful in the country.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Abdulahi called the attention of the governor to the plight of the people living on Tongeji Island, who felt neglected by the government.

He said his Command had built a jetty on the Island to enable its crafts to berth, and called on the government to assist in building staff quarters in the Navy School sited on the Island.