The immediate Past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo has declared that the Nigerian Navy under his leadership made significant improvement in operations, logistics, manpower development and personnel welfare pointing out that, “The secrets to these noble achievements remain teamwork, integrity and professionalism.
In his valedictory speech at the pulling out ceremony in his honour, Vice Admiral Gambo said, “Looking back, I proudly reflect on the giant strides we attained in various facets of the Service under my leadership.The Nigerian Navy made significant improvement in operations, logistics, manpower development and personnel welfare.
“We recorded great achievements in anti-Crude Oil Theft, anti-piracy and counter-insurgency operations as well as fleet renewal and massive infrastructural development among others.
“An appraisal of these efforts explains the successes attained by the Service, with increasing capacity to project force across the Gulf of Guinea in support of our neighbours and international partners.
“As I bow to day, permit me to place it on record that our Navy is stronger and better positioned than ever before to discharge its constitutional roles for our national security and economic prosperity.
“I therefore commend the officers, ratings and civilian staff of our dear Service for their loyalty and dedication, which assisted us to achieve so much. I urge all our personnel to remain steadfast in their service to our fatherland for the overall wellbeing of the Nigerian State.
Continuing he said, “As today is for gratitude and celebration and not an occasion for stocktaking, I would like to sincerely commend and thank the Twenty-Second indigenous CNS, R Adm EI Ogalla, for this honour done to me within a short period after his assumption of office, despite the enormity of his official and personal engagements as the CNS. I sincerely appreciate this gesture. You can be assured of my prayers, best wishes and support always.
“I would like to sincerely thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for finding me worthy of leading the Nigerian Navy for almost two and a half years as well as his immense support and encouragement during my tenure as the CNS.
“My appreciation also goes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the confidence entrusted to the Nigerian Navy. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to guide him in steering the affairs of the country to greater heights.
“I am also grateful to several senior government officials. I thank the members of the Legislative arm of government, especially the leaders of the Navy Committees in the 2 Chambers who pursued the Navy’s demands for better performance.
“Equally, I acknowledge the support of the various States of the Federation, particularly those hosting Navy formations and units, for their continued assistance.
“Furthermore, I am profoundly indebted to the immediate past Honourable Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd) and the entire hierarchy of Ministry of Defence for their advocacy and recommendations that assisted the Navy to progress steadily under my leadership.
“I must also acknowledge and thank the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff for his attention and interest in the Navy all through. To my colleagues, the immediate past Service Chiefs, I appreciate their amazing support and wish them a peaceful life in retirement.
 ‘To the current CDS and Service Chiefs, I wish you the best of luck in your administration. I equally acknowledge with gratitude, the support of the icons of the Navy, whose support ensured my successes. My remarks will not be complete if I fail to extend my appreciation to the Heads of MDAs, international partners and well-wishers from all walks of life.”
“It is worthy for me to place on record here that while the assistance from various quarters was invaluable, it would have yielded no fruits without the personnel of the Nigerian Navy. I cannot therefore thank you enough for your dedication as I wholeheartedly commend your enviable teamwork and professionalism.
“From the Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and unit commanders at various levels, to other officers, ratings and civilian staff, together we were able to weather the storm in fulfilment of our mandate. I charge you all to keep up the high standards and remain devoted to the Service.
“Most importantly, I enjoin you to sincerely extend the same cooperation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral EI Ogalla. I have no doubt that you will heed this call for greater achievements irrespective of evolving challenges.”
“Just as I am concluding my illustrious career today, I congratulate the outgoing National President, Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), my darling wife of inestimable value, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo for a successful and meritorious tenure. I specially appreciate and thank you for all your sacrifices for seamlessly maintaining the home front on several occasions of my absence, through the years. To my beloved children, I thank you all for your patience and understanding. The time has come for us to give one another the attention we have craved for over the years.”
“I also seize this unique opportunity to commend all the members of NOWA and Naval Ratings’ Wives Association (NARAWA) for their steadfast support to their husbands as well as the rare understanding they have always shown. Your devotion to remain on guard at home in the prolonged absence of your husbands, is a huge sacrifice and indirect support to the Nigerian Navy to function effectively.
“I thank you all and please do not relent in the family support efforts. May I also congratulate the NOWA National President, Mrs Ijeoma Ogalla on her assumption of office and wish her a successful tenure.”
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