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Reps Seek Alternative Funding For NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project
Acting Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, has called for alternate sources of funding for the Federal Government Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project, also known as the Deep Blue Project.
Speaking shortly after witnessing the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) Operational Maritime Capability Demonstration in Lagos, alongside the NIMASA Director General and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Odudih acknowledged that the Deep Blue Project has played a significant role in maintaining peace in Nigerian waters in recent years.
He said the achievements of the NIMASA-Nigerian Navy partnership has elevated the country to a high international standing in maritime security, noting that to sustain the project, it is time to seek additional sources of funding.
“At the IMO Conference last year, Nigeria was greatly commended for the fact that there has not been any pirate attack on our waters in two years. That feat was achieved through the efforts of the Deep Blue Project.
“When I looked at the budget, I saw provisions for Deep Blue Project management and sustainability. I want to commend NIMASA for this.
“However, it is pitiful that only NIMASA is funding this project. If a project like this is taken seriously, the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta would be reduced to zero.
“We have no option than to look at the budget, if they require more funds, we would approve it for the benefit of suppression of security challenges in Nigeria.
“If maritime security is guaranteed, the revenue of NIMASA would increase, and by extension, that of NPA and others, this means more money for Nigeria”, he stated.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, noted that the Agency is committed to the sustainability of the project.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
