The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has charged the twenty–one newly promoted and decorated Senior Officers of the Nigerian Navy who distinguished themselves in the line of duties to see their new positions as a call for more dedication to their duties.
General Irabor gave the charge during the Shipping of Stripes for Newly Promoted Rear Admirals in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He said, “this year’s promotion is unique because of the rigorous process passed through before the promotion which means they are the very best of the Navy”.
According to him, the year 2021 is challenging but their confidence is that they have officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Navy in particular that will meet up with the challenges that are faced with defence believing that the promotion will spur them to perform better in the daunting security challenges confronting the country.
General Irabor was optimistic that the arrangements put in place by the defence authority would bring about lasting solutions to the security challenges in the country.
He urged the newly promoted officers to make sure that the maritime domain is safe and secured as they are trusted to be competent and robust to handle the area.
The Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo remarked that “it is the dream of every officer to reach the peak of his/her career in the Service stating however that only a few eventually realize the dream”.
The ceremony was tagged, “the crowning glory of your hard work, total dedication and loyalty to the Service and by extension to the nation”.
Vice Admiral Gambo congratulates all of them for being among the selected few that made it to this rank of your career adding that while it takes hard work to reach a glorious height, it takes harder work to remain up there.
He therefore unreservedly congratulated each of them and urged them to justify the confidence of a proud and deserving nation.
“Notably, the Year 2021 has witnessed significant disruption in all facets of the national lives with the armed forces now more than ever required to play more significant roles to ensure security and prosperity of our dear nation”.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Navy and the nation require you to be more dedicated and display unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in order to address the myriad of security challenges plaguing the nation” he added.
Responding on behalf of the newly promoted Senior Officer, Rear Admiral Chibuike Azike showed appreciation for the honour done to them and promised that they would put in their best in the service of the nation.
Family members of the decorated officers were in attendance especially, the spouses who were congratulated by the Naval Chief, for being the pillar of support to enable the officers to come this far.
Nnenna.O
