Naval Chief Makes Case For Abandoned Resort

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, says the abandoned Amedi Penisula Hotel in Oguta Local Government Area in Imo is strategic for the location of a naval base.

Ezeoba told newsmen shortly after an assessment tour of the area on Thursday in Oguta that the area had a peculiar maritime characteristic and strategic for the institution of a naval base.

He said it could enhance the economy of the nation when reactivated.

The Naval Chief was accompanied on the tour by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Chris Anyanwu and other senior naval officers.

“This is a laudable project. We came to see how we can develop a naval base at this strategic place that was abandoned over two decades ago. I want to add that Nigeria has all it takes to develop economically,” he said.

The navy boss said Oguata was strategic for a naval base formation since it housed both the Oguta Lake and the Orashi River in Imo.

Sen. Anyanwu, who took the officers round the facility, said Imo State had something crucial and useful to the country.

She described the abandoned property as very strategic for naval operation of both sea and inland ports being proposed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority.

Anyanwu said the presence of law enforcement agents was paramount in the area as it would provide security and attract investors to the state.

She said the base would be strategic for the training of navy officers and called for maximum support from both the state government and people to achieve the project.