Commends Nigerian Navy on the Unveiling of Alape River/Lagos Chart .
Ondo State Acting Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called the attention of all stakeholders on the importance of Digital Twin of the ocean which is a virtual representation of the ocean that is based on hydrographic data.
Digital Twin can be used to simulate the behavior of the ocean and to predict how it will respond to change.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized on the importance of Digital Twin in his remarks at the World Hydrography Day, tagged ‘Abuja 2023’ with The Theme : “Hydrographic- Underpinning The Digital Twin of The Ocean”, held at the Nigeria Air Force ( NAF ) conference center, Abuja on Wednesday.
The Acting Governor drew the attention of all stakeholders to the immense potential that lies within the development of our inland waterways with particular focus on the remarkable prospects in Ondo State.
“By harnessing the power of our rivers for trade and commerce, we can streamline the movement of goods leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced logistics cost and a more sustainable transport system”, he declared .
“In other words, our waterways will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation which will attract local and foreign investments, breathing new life into our maritime sector” .
Aiyedatiwa further stressed that “Ondo State with it’s abundant natural resources, strategic location and business-friendly environment becomes an enticing designation for investments in Port infrastructures, shipbuilding, maritime logistics and offshore exploration” .
He added that, the surge of investments will stimulate economic growth, foster technological advancement and enhance global competitiveness.
While acknowledging the courage exhibited by Nigerian Navy in forging ahead with the Alape Charts Project, the Acting Governor declared that “the Alape Charts Project meticulously crafted by the Nigerian Navy will serve as an invaluable resource for navigation along the Alape River” .
“These charts to Lagos will provide essential information that enhance safety, efficiency and accuracy in maritime activities” , he said.
The Acting Governor commended men and women of the Nigerian Navy for their resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and delivering on their promise.
Aiyedatiwa equally acknowledged the support and contributions of Rear Admiral Samuel Alade ( Rtrd ) and Director General of Ondo State Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit ( PPIMU ), Mr Babajide Akeredolu in ensuring that Alape River/Lagos Chart is realized.
He stressed further that Alape Charts will impact greatly in the transformation of Ondo State’s inland waterways into a hub of economic activities.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the event, Imo State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodima described the day as a day to reflect on the future of Hydrography and to consider how it can be used to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff represented by Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Solomon Agada
thanked Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON for providing the needed support that aided the actualization of the Alape River Chart that was unveiled at the event.
He said the Nigerian Navy has the most sophisticated Hydrographic survey Vessel in the whole of African continent.
The Alape River chart was unveiled by the Nigerian Navy to the admiration of the stakeholders in attendance.
Some of the dignitaries at the event are, member representing Maitoli/Ikeduru federal Constituency, Hon Akarachi Amadi, member representing Onuimo/Isiala/Mbano/Okigwe Federal Constituency, Hon Miriam Onuoha, member representing Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency, Hon Canice Nwachukwu, Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Barrister Tobi Ogunleye, D.G, PPIMU , Mr Babajide Akeredolu, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade ( Rtd )and others.
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