Navy restates commitment to defend Nigeria’s territorial waters for economic prosperity

The Nigerian Navy, on Friday, in Lagos, reteirated its commitment to defending Nigeria’territorial waters for economic prosperity.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas gave the assurance at the graduation ceremony of senior officers’ course held at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, Apapa, Lagos.
The course saw 22 officers of the rank of Captains and Commanders graduating on a four-week Command Level Officers’ Course.
The naval chief, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquartyers, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani, said that he was delighted to be in the graduation ceremony of the participants in the Command Level Course.
According tothe naval chief, “It would be recalled that my mission statement clearly spelt out the need for a well trained organised and highly motivated personnel to fulfil our constitutional roles.
“And also to fulfil our constitutional roles professionally and efficiently in the defence of Nigeria for our economic prosperity and well being of our people.
“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 emplaced to deliver on the core objectives therein,“ he said.
Ibas said training must be continually reinvigorated through delibrate innovations to achieve our desired goals.
He continued,“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,“ he said.
The CNS said the people of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari had ensured that the navy was well resourced within the limit of available funds bearing in mind contending national needs and peiorities.
“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,“ he said.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Ifeola Mohammed, in his remarks, said that the course was a result of deep introspection.
“Our past operations and trainings as well as experiences with lessons learnt, served as the main ingredents for the course.
“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,“ he said.
He congratulated the graduating officers and enjoined them to continue to be good ambassadors of the service.
The Commandant, NNS Quorra, Commodore Francis Isaac, during his welcome address, said the objective of the course was to prepare nominated officers for command level responsibilities.
“This is a view to improving the quality of command afloat and ashore.
“This was achieved by equipping the participants with requisite tools to exercise effective command in furtherance of navy’s roles and activities,“ he said.
The commandant, however, assured everyone that the CNS was also working hard to ensure improvement in infrastructures, learning environment and welfare among others.
Captain Livingstone Izu, the course director said the course was designed to acquaint participants with sufficient knowledge on the structures and management process of activities in the navy.
“Also the course is designed to acquaint participants with higher level strategies, plans, policies and directives that provide current direction for operations and management of the navy,“ he said.
Present at the graduation were senior officers both serving and retired and other family members of the participant among others.