From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Naval Staff(CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy, to rededicate themselves in the fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and other maritime crimes in the nations waterways.
Oglala, has equally charged personnel to have a renewed focus towards achieving a prosperous future for the country and Navy, just as he promised improved welfare for personnel and their families.
The CNS, gave the charge at the special Jumat prayers organised as part of activities to mark the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, at the Mogadishu mosque, Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Communication and Information Technology, Rear Admiral Zakariya Mohammad, the CNS, urged them to be of goodwill to one another, rededicate themselves with renewed focus and enthusiasm towards achieving a prosperous future for the Nigerian Navy.”
The navy chief who commended personnel for their dedication in the fight against crude oil theft, assured Nigerians that the current efforts by the navy would be sustained.
He said, “We implore personnel to rededicate themselves to the service so that the Navy will be able to perform its statutory roles which are military, policing and diplomatic. Of course, the policing role has become important in that the Nigerian Navy has been contributing in the fight against oil theft which has enabled the country to attain the quota allocated by OPEC.
“We appreciate our personnel and we will want them not to rest on their oar. The personnel are expected to continue to rededicate themselves and uphold the vow to serve the nation to the best of their ability.
“As we celebrate, let us be of goodwill to one another, rededicate ourselves with renewed focus and enthusiasm towards achieving a prosperous future for the Nigerian Navy.”
He said, “While these and more will be sustained towards operational efficiency of the Service, we must remain prayerful, steadfast and faithful. It is also important that we remain peace-loving citizens of our great country as well as abide by principles that would foster unity in our diversity.”
While noting that the Navy had diligently discharged its responsibilities despite the challenges faced by the service,
Ogalla said, “Despite numerous challenges that abound, the Nigerian Navy has remained resolute in the discharge of her statutory roles culminating in several achievements recorded.
“In the last one year, capacity building, acquisition of platforms, infrastructural developments as well as welfare of personnel and civilian staff are given due attention required.”
The CNS, who assured personnel of improved welfare, said, “The Nigerian Navy under my watch will strive to improve personnel welfare and enhance our operational efficiency through platform acquisitions and infrastructural development amongst others. This is geared towards repositioning the Service to actualize her statutory roles. “