By YAHAYA ISAH

The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Wednesday in Abuja decorated 30 newly promoted Rear Admirals, urging them to rededicate themselves to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, who decorating the officers, said the armed forces require courageous, quality and dynamic leadership for optimal performance.

“The optimal employment of men and material has direct impact on outcome of operations, theatres of operations as well as national security.

“Hence in spite of the huge number of annual enlistment into the military, only the most dedicated and loyal rise to the very apex of the profession.

“Indeed, it is the dream of every officer to reach the peak of his/her career in the service. However, only a few realise this dream.

“The ceremony today, which is the crowning glory of your hard work, dedication and loyalty to the service and by extension the nation, is a no mean thing,” Gambo said.

The CNS congratulated them for being among the selected few that made it to the enviable rank and reminded them work harder in the service of the country.

“I therefore, unreservedly congratulate each and everyone one of you, and urge you to justify the confidence of a proud deserving nation.

“Notably, the year 2022, have witnessed significant disruptions in all facet of our national lives, with the armed forces now more than ever, required to play more significant role to ensure security and prosperity of Nigeria.

“Consequently, the NN and the entire nation, require you to be more dedicated and display unalloyed loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari to address the security challenges confronting the country.

“Your ingenuity, resourcefulness and integrity will be required as very senior officers to reposition the service to discharge its constitutional mandate for the security and economic prosperity of the country.”

Gambo said that the service had been working in collaboration with other security agencies to protect the economic mainstay of the nation.

This, he said, had been through various operations to counter-illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft, adding that while there were significant achievements, the efforts must be sustained.

"There are pockets of personnel still colluding with criminals to sabotage these efforts.

“Let me, therefore, warn that any act of collision with criminals to sabotage of measures emplaced to check illegality will be made to face sanctions in accordance with the laws of the land.

“Note that as leaders of the service, you are expected to be above board, and ensure that subordinates equally buy into the zero tolerance stance of NN against all forms of illegalities and criminalities at sea and ashore.”

The Special Guest, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, urged the newly promoted senior officers to rededicate themselves to duty by upping their games in all ramifications.

Irabor reminded them that promotion comes with numerous responsibilities as such, as such they should commit themselves to the defence of the nation’s maritime domain against any form of illegalities.

The CDS also congratulated them for being among the very few that made it to the peak of their chosen career, urging them to justify their new status. (NAN)

Update news