The First Gulf of Guinea Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Conference in Calabar will not just transform the sub-zone but build stronger formation among member nations.
Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State who made the assertion at a State Banquet in honour of participants of the conference, maintained that Cross River, being a coastal State that shares borders with many countries, stands to benefit from it.
Imoke remarked that the State, being the under belly of the Nigerian Navy (NN), has natural endowments and appreciated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, the initiator of the conference, for his innovative ideas, since he assumed office.
He said the impact of Ezeoba was felt greatly in the State, being the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command and commended him for starting the construction work at the Navy Hospital, Calabar which was abandoned for 35 years, adding that the facility would be of tremendous benefit to the State by promoting its health care delivery service.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share with the various participants of the conference, Imoke restated that the State was focused on developing an economy that was not driven by oil, but positions itself as a destination of repute, within the South-South Geo-Political Zone, known for peace and tourism, as well as, a destination for conferences.
He remarked that, the navy had added colour and beauty to what is done in the State and therefore urged the dignitaries to be part of Calabar Festival, which is a celebration of culture and beauty of Nigeria as well as an expression of what it represents as great country.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, said the choice of Calabar was well-thought out and lauded the Governor and his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, for being good hosts.
Ezeoba explained that delegates took time out to design a way to address maritime situation within the Gulf of Guinea and to fashion the way forward.
Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Edem (retired) proposed a toast to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Osundu to the Nigerian Navy and Rev (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem to Cross River State.
