Defence Minister, Service Chiefs Decorate 29 New Admirals

•Naval Chief warns personnel against collusion with criminals, saboteurs

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, yesterday, led military service chiefs to decorate 29 newly promoted rear admirals of the Nigerian Navy.

This came as the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, warned naval personnel against any form of collision with criminals and oil thieves.

He said stiff sanctions would be meted out to those found wanting.

The 29 senior naval officers of the rank of commodore were promoted to the enviable rank of rear admiral last week.

In his remarks at the event held at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja, the minister told the newly promoted officers that thier promotion was a testament to their dedication to duty.

“As we gather here today, 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”, he said.

“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.

He urged the officers to rededicate to the national assignment in line with their new roles that required greater commitment.

“I will also want to use this medium to assure you of the President Bola Tinubu’s  commitment and dedication to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian Navy as encapsulated in his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“Mr President recognises the need for fleet modernisation, capacity building, and strategic planning to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy”, he said.

“To the newly promoted senior officers, 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”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, warned naval personnel against any form of collision with criminals and oil thieves.

While urging the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by government, he warned them to be above board.

“As expected in every performance-oriented organisation, the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy is essential for the optimal realisation 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 Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.  I want you to bear in mind that you were selected among your equals based on merit and your proven track record in the service”, he said.

“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 said.

Ogalla, therefore, warned Navy personnel against collusion with criminals.

“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”, he said.