Gov. Obiano commissions 15 new speed boats

Hundreds of thousands of people from ten local government areas that make up the river Rine areas , yesterday, gathered at the OkotiOdekpe, in Ogbaru council area to witness the commissioning of speed - boats by Governor Willie Obiano.

The gesture, which was first of its kind in the history of the state, is aimed at giving people of the area a sense of belonging.

Government house correspondent Ngozi Obileri who was at the event said that commissioning the boats, Governor Obiano said the fifteen speed-boats will facilitate movement of people from the river rine areas especially school children and their teachers for qualitative teaching and learning. The governor re-iterated that, apart from the speed boats, the seven water ambulances will be for emergencies related to health issues in order to provide quality health care for the people, while the armoured gunboat given to the Naval officers, will aid security on the lower River Niger.

He added that a little token fee of between fifty and hundred naira will be charged per passenger for maintenance and fueling of the boats.

In a speech, the Naval commander of the lower River Niger, Captain Dika Kwabe, noted that the gun boat has been tested and found capable to aid them combat insecurity in the lower River Niger, expressing appreciation to the governor for achieving the feat.

In their separate speeches, the Commissioner for health, Dr Josephat Akabuike, and his education counterpart, Professor Kate Omenugha, said that the gesture was aimed at providing education for all, recollecting that the state government had increased salaries of teachers in the areas as a way of motivating them, and has plans to give incentives to Igbo language teachers.

Earlier in an address, the Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Chief Nzemeka Olisa, who described the event as another landmark achievement, recalled that one thousand, three hundred and seventy seven classroom blocks, have been completed, while two hundred and two, are under construction since the Obiano administration came on board.

The chairman of Ogbaru council area, Mr Victor Agolue, whose joy knew no bounds, thanked the governor for the gesture as, according to him, areas like Ogwuikpele where there is no access road, will now have access to quality education and health delivery.

The event witnessed display of boat regatta by Ogbaru community, while riding on the gun boat by the governor and others, formed the high point of the event.

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