Matawalle Decorates Newly Promoted Rear Admirals; Charges Them to See Elevation as Demonstration of FG’s Trust and Confidence to Tackle Insecurity, Maritime Threats

Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle has charged newly promoted Rear Admirals to see their elevation to the flag rank as a demonstration of the trust and confidence placed on them by the federal government to tackle insecurity and other national threats head-on

,’As newly promoted Rear Admirals, you are entrusted with an even greater responsibility to serve our nation with unwavering commitment and excellence. Therefore, your well deserved promotion demonstrates the trust and confidence placed on you to tackle these challenges head-on”, he said.

Matawalle who was speaking during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers from the rank of Commodore to Rear Admiral said, “You must acknowledge the immense responsibility that comes with this promotion especially with regards to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure security within Nigeria’s maritime area of interest.

“Accordingly, the nation relies on the Nigerian Navy to curtail these dynamic and ever-evolving maritime security threats.

“As newly promoted Rear Admirals, you are entrusted with an even greater responsibility to serve our nation with unwavering commitment and excellence.

The minister assured of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment and dedication to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian Navy as encapsulated in his “Renewed Hope Agenda” saying, “Mr President recognizes the need for fleet modernization, capacity building, and strategic planning to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.

To the newly promoted senior officers, he said, ,”I commend you for your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the service of our nation.

” Your exceptional leadership has not only earned you this promotion but has also set a sterling example for your peers and subordinates to follow. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to your families and loved ones.Their unwavering support, sacrifices, and understanding have contributed significantly to your accomplishments.

“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace your new roles with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of duty. Your promotion signifies a higher level of responsibility, and I have full confidence in your ability to lead with excellence.

“While we celebrate your well-deserved promotion today, it is important to recognize the instrumental role of the Chief of the Naval Staff in providing an environment conducive for excellence and professional growth.

“His exemplary leadership has fostered a culture of discipline, integrity, and innovation within the Nigerian Navy. Under his guidance, the Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in enhancing operational readiness, fleet modernization and capacity building.

“His visionary leadership has not only elevated the status of the Nigerian Navy but has also garnered respect and admiration both nationally and internationally”.

In his remarks, the Cbief of Naval Staff, Bice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said, “As expected in every performance-oriented organization, the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy is essential for the optimal realization of its objectives.

“Hence, despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal rise to the apex of the profession. This cadre of Flag Officers would constitute the leadership of the NN and the AFN in general.

“Bear in mind that you were selected among your equals based on merit and your proven track record in the service. It beholds on you to justify this confidence by contributing your best to the service.

“I congratulate you for being among the selected few that made it to this enviable rank. Note that while it takes hard work to reach this height, it takes harder work to remain there. As I celebrate with each of you, I urge you to justify the confidence the Service and the Nation has reposed on you.

He continued, “The year 2023 had its high and lows in our national life with the Armed Forces now more than ever required to play significant roles to ensure security and prosperity of our dear nation.

“The Nigerian Navy and the nation require you to be more dedicated and display unalloyed loyalty to the President, C-in-Cof the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Constitution in order to address the myriad of security challenges confronting our country.

“Your ingenuity, resourcefulness and integrity will be required to reposition the Service in the years ahead.

“The Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other security agencies have continuously strived to protect the economic mainstay of the country through various operations to counter oil theft.

‘While there are significant achievements, there are still cases of personnel colluding with criminals to undermine our efforts.

“Let me therefore, warn that any form of collusion with criminals or act of sabotage will be met with stiff sanctions in accordance with the law. In essence, as leaders of the Service, you are expected to be above board and ensure that your subordinates key into the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigerian Navy to all forms of illegalities and criminalities at sea or ashore particularly oil theft”.

“I must add that today’s ceremony resonates deeply with the Nigerian Navy, as it provides a special opportunity to acknowledge the enormous support availed the Service by Federal Government.

“Such encouragement has bolstered gains in critical areas like fleet renewal, infrastructural and manpower developments, which have impacted positively on the nation’s maritime security.”