Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral S Saidu (rtd) on Thursday June 8, 2023 in Jaji commissioned the newly constructed ultra-modern department of Maritime Warfare Complex, Jaji built by the Nigerian Navy at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
Speaking at the occasion, Admiral Saidu (rtd) who is 84 years old said, “I want to thank the Almighty God for making today a reality and appreciate the College and particularly the Chief of the Naval Staff (Vice Admiral AZ Gambo) for the honour in inviting me to be at this auspicious occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.
His words, “Undoubtedly, the Department of Maritime Warfare plays a crucial role towards actualization of the College goals in furtherance of our national defence objectives, especially from contemporary maritime warfare perspectives.
‘This is not unconnected with the fact that majority of our dear nation’s prosperity lies within the maritime domain, which further underscores the vital need to continually make the Department conducive for learning.
“I am particularly impressed that the Department through dispassionate support from my successors has witnessed tremendous developmental projects. Notable among these is the extensive renovation of the existing Department’s building. This has facilitated a more fulfilling learning environment as evident in continuous improvement of performances of students over the years.
“Certainly, and in line with global best practice as well as the need to consolidate on existing infrastructure, the idea to construct a befitting complex for the Department was conceived.
“This is coupled with the increase in numbers of student officers being nominated for both the Junior and the Senior Courses compared to the strength while I was here as a Director Naval Faculty.
“Accordingly, in addition to conducive learning environment, I am aware that this magnificent Complex will address challenges of insufficient office spaces, syndicate rooms and central halls in both single and tri- Service terms. I therefore enjoin you all to put this facility to proper use as enormous resources which have been committed to its construction despite other competing demands.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government, for the unflinching support to the Nigerian Navy, without which this all-important project would not have been a reality, Admiral Saidu said, “To our amiable and indefatigable Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, I sincerely appreciate and salute your steadfast commitments to infrastructural developments in Naval formations across the country.
“The construction of this Complex is a clear testimony of your resolve towards infrastructural development for the benefit of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and humanity in genera”.
“I will also like to thank the Commandant of this prestigious College for sustained support provided to the Department of Maritime Warfare and creating the enabling environment for seamless construction of the Complex.
In his remarks, the CNS, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo said, the completion of the project is another significant milestone amongst several initiatives in the comprehensive transformation plan articulated for infrastructural development towards effective discharge of our constitutional mandate.
“A similar complex with about 450-Seater Auditorium is near completion at Naval War College Nigeria, in Calabar.
“Also, the College Auditorium at the Naval College Onne, recently renovated and upgraded with the state-of-the-art multimedia equipment was commissioned in March this year.
“These are in addition to several other infrastructural developments in barracks and bases for personnel welfare enhancement.
“Undoubtedly, this complex will ameliorate shortages of offices spaces and syndicate rooms currently experienced as well as provide necessary comfort to enhance teaching and learning.
“The operations rooms will further assist to sharpen skills of officers in operational art, expected to be applied in the field.
While congratulating students who are beneficiaries of the ultra-modern edifice, he saix, ” As I felicitate with you, I also urge you to take absolute ownership of this complex and develop a maintenance culture so that this huge legacy project will serve future generations of senior officers.
“Distinguished guests permit me to state that naming institutional structures after very senior officers are ways of appreciating the tremendous support and contributions of such distinguished personality.
“Obviously, some halls here at the Department of Maritime Warfare were named after some of our icons.
“For instance, we have Adelanwa Hall named after Vice Admiral MA Adelanwa (rtd), who was the third indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff. We also have Nyako Hall named after Vice Admiral MH Nyako (rtd), the Seventh Chief of the Naval Staff.
“Today, we are gathered in recognition of the huge support of our Special Guest of Honour and one time Director of this Department, whose penchant for capacity development is outstanding and second to none.
“Acknowledging your selfless commitment, which guided most officers that passed through your tutelage amongst other outstanding qualities is the reason this 207-Seater Auditorium in this new complex is named Sa’idu Auditorium after your humble self, the Ninth indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff.”
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