Amidst the recurring security crisis that has plagued Nigeria, President Buhari has reassured Nigerians of the capabilities of the armed forces to continually sustain their operations in order to salvage the challenges of insecurity ravaging the country. Opening the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, Lagos 2022, the President stated that the armed forces would continue to work adequately to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. He also emphasized the need for all armed forces, other security agencies and the general population to enact a synergy, in a bid to defeat insecurity in the country.
Commissioning the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sport Centre, President Buhari praised the efforts of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, towards investing in sport development. He noted that sporting activities, have over the years become a major symbol for strengthening bonds between troops and enacting the readiness to serve a common purpose, urging the Nigerian Navy to use this development as a forum for achieving their goals. He regarded the sport centre construction as an avenue for the Navy to host games for recreation and training.
This development will create a platform for discovering talents.
He further expressed his confidence that the Naval personnel will make good use of the newly developed facilities in the complex. The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces also asserted that this development would enable a much needed platform for discovering talents that can represent Nigeria and the Navy in international competitions. He further beseeched the participating personnel to showcase fair play and decorum, in the course of the competition. With all commands of the Nigerian Navy participating in this competition, he noted that the armed forces can benefit off the preparedness of these personnel, whilst promoting team spirit amongst them. He also suggested that the competition must illustrate what the Nigerian Navy is about— dedication, commitment, unity and comradery.
The President also appreciated the supports of the Lagos State Government for their cooperation with the military. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during his goodwill speech, noted that the Nigerian Navy has been immensely important to the protection of lives and properties in Lagos State. He also applauded the Federal Government’s decision to grant the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lekki, an important area in the industrial development of Lagos State. Sanwo-Olu however wished the participants well, urging them to portray the spirit of sportsmanship.
Naval Forces promised to sustain fight against corruption.
On the role of the force in salvaging crimes and corruption, the Chief of Naval Staff promised that the Navy would carry on with the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of corruptions that have plagued the country. He also expressed his happiness at Nigeria’s exit from the International Maritime Bureau Piracy List, stating that the fact that zero cases of piracy has been recorded in over a year illustrates the Nigerian Navy’s resilience in making sure there is a protected environment for socioeconomic practices.
He also declared his gratitude to the President for constantly supporting the Nigerian Navy. He noted that pertinently, the Federal Government’s induction of Landing Ship Tank, Nigerian Navy Ship KADA into the country’s fleet has improved the power projection of the Nigerian Navy within the region and globally. He further stated that the ship’s deployment for ECOWAS’ stabilization support mission in Guinea Bissau evidently illustrates the administration’s commitment to regional stability
Commissioned complex to aid personnel’s physical & mental strength.
Chief of Naval Staff admitted that the commissioned complex which contained indoor sporting facilities, gymnastics facilities, a standard football field and tracks for athletic events would further aid the Naval personnel physical fitness as the contemporary war activities which is volatile, requires immense physical fitness and mental readiness. In addition, he stated that fitness and mental preparedness of the personnel have become pivotal factors for meeting the requirements of the present operation environment.
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