The historic Port Harcourt Boat Club (est. 1947) today welcomed the management of the Naval Shipyard for a strategic meeting ahead of its upcoming Boating Festival, scheduled to take place from May 1–3, 2025 at the club premises.
The meeting was convened to formally brief the leadership of the Naval Shipyard on preparations for the festival and to strengthen collaboration between the Navy and the Boat Club.
Speaking at the event, Vice Commodore Sir Daniel Harrison expressed appreciation to the Naval Shipyard for its continued support. He acknowledged the provision of water supply, solar-powered street lighting, and security during past events—contributions he described as vital to the club’s operations and community engagement.
Sir Harrison also called for enhanced cooperation, requesting that the Naval leadership continue to support the club, especially in the area of infrastructure and safety. In particular, he appealed to the Vice Admiral to address the deteriorating sections of the access road leading to the Boat Club, as well as the issue of tanker trucks parked indiscriminately, which he noted pose safety hazards to members and visitors seeking recreation.
In response, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral E.E. Ebe, expressed gratitude to the Boat Club for initiating the visit and affirmed the Navy’s readiness to work closely with the club.
“The Navy is not afraid of challenges,” he said, assuring the Boat Club that its requests would be given due attention.
Rear Admiral Ebe also disclosed that the Naval Shipyard is currently in discussions with companies around the Makoba area to foster stronger relationships and encourage corporate social responsibility. He extended an invitation to the management of the Boat Club to join the next stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for May 14th, 2025.
As a mark of appreciation, the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 conferred on Rear Admiral E.E. Ebe the Maritime Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership and support for maritime recreational development.
The Admiral also had the honor of unveiling the official banner for the 2025 Boating Festival, commending the club for its contribution to promoting tourism and leisure culture in the region.
The meeting was attended by senior members of both the Naval Shipyard management and the Port Harcourt Boat Club, reaffirming a shared commitment to community development, tourism promotion, and strategic partnership.
