TheCable

Awwal Gambo, immediate past chief of naval staff, says the Nigerian Navy is stronger and better positioned to execute its mandate.

Gambo spoke at his pulling out ceremony which was held on Sunday in Apapa, Lagos.

He said his military career, which commenced with his officer cadet training in 1984, has been rewarding, adding that “everything that has a beginning, has an end”.

He said Nigeria is blessed with a professional and vibrant navy, which has continued to defend its territorial integrity from the maritime flank.

“The Nigerian navy has ever demonstrated the resolve to protect the invaluable resources within the nation’s maritime environment and project the country’s image globally,” he said.

“For me as the 21st indigenous chief of the naval staff, it has been a unique opportunity to lead in the onerous task of delivering on our navy’s constitutional role.

“I can say that our navy is a service of global repute and standards, which we can be proud of.”

Gambo said he guided the navy to uphold the strong support and values needed to succeed in its activities and operations.

“My mission was to optimise the deployment of the Nigerian navy in performance of her constitutional roles and undertaking of assigned tasks,” he said.

“While promptly responding with commensurate actions to other emerging national security challenges.

“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.”

He said the navy recorded great achievements in anti-crude oil theft, anti-piracy, and counter-insurgency operations as well as fleet renewal and infrastructural development.

“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,” he said.

“The secrets to these noble achievements remain teamwork, integrity, and professionalism.

“Our navy is stronger and better positioned than ever before to discharge its constitutional roles for our national security and economic prosperity.”

He commended the officers and staff of the navy for their loyalty and dedication to work.

He asked them to keep up the high standards and remain devoted to the service and extend the same cooperation to Emmanuel Ogalla, his successor.