In line with the zero tolerance for maritime illegalities, the Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to protect the nation’s waterways for economic prosperity.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas gave the assurance at the graduation ceremony of senior officers at a course held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, Apapa, Lagos.
22 officers of the ranks of captains and commanders graduated after a four-week Command Level Officers' Course.
Delighted at the brilliant performances of the participants, Ibas noted the need for well-trained, organized and highly motivated personnel to fulfill the constitutional roles of the navy professionally and efficiently in the defence of Nigeria for economic prosperity and well-being of the citizen.
“This equally resonates with the specific task on Human Resource Management and Administration in the CNS' Strategic Directive 2015-1. The command level course was placed to deliver on the core objectives therein,” he said.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Adm. Jacob Ajani, Ibas added that the training must be continually reinvigorated through deliberate innovations to achieve desired goals.
“In this regard, the command level course provided a veritable means to fast- track the delivery of a trained and ready force as the important linkage through quality leadership training to achieve command attributes.
“It is my hope that you have imbibed sufficient knowledge within the past one month to enable further self-development as you set to take command ashore or afloat.
“The nation has invested in all of us. I enjoin you therefore, to strive to justify the huge resources by playing a credible role in the attainment of navy's mandate,” the naval chief said.
In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed said he was optimistic the just – concluded course would enable participants to be able to tackle the challenges in maritime operations.
“I have no doubt that the course will fill the gaps in past efforts as well as the renewed drive to meet present and future challenges in operations in our maritime domain.
“Indeed, we are glad to state that we are developing the next generation of naval leaders,” Ifeola said.
He congratulated the graduating officers and enjoined them to continue to be good ambassadors of the service.
Speaking also, the Commandant, NNS Quorra, Commodore Francis Isaac, said the objective of the course was to prepare nominated officers for command level responsibilities.
“This is with a view to improve the quality of command afloat and ashore. It was achieved by equipping the participants with requisite tools to exercise effective command in furtherance of navy's roles and activities.”
He, however, assured everyone that the CNS was also working hard to ensure improvement in infrastructure, learning environment and welfare among others.
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