The outgone Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo (rtd), has ascribed the many successes recorded during his administration to his professional colleagues, officers and ratings of the Navy as well as his family.
Awwal said this at his Pulling Out ceremony which held at the Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, Apapa on Saturday after 39 years of service.
He said his career, which began with his Officer Cadet training in 1984, had been rewarding and added that, ‘everything that has a beginning, has an end”.
“Just as it is for any old sailor in history, this great ceremony marks the end of my illustrious military career and exit from our beloved Nigerian Navy.
“In the words of Helen Keller, ‘The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker’.
“Also, according to Merle Crowell, ‘It is the men behind who make the man ahead’, the retired CNS quoted.
According to Gambo, these quotations gave credence to the immense support, cooperation and motivation he enjoyed throughout his career, without which he would not be celebrated as a fulfilled leader.
“For this, I remain grateful to my professional colleagues, family and other well-meaning personalities across the various walks of life, that offered me their shoulders to lean on while I served.
“I appreciate the Almighty Allah for a successful naval career, judging from the fact that some of our compatriots and colleagues did not have the same opportunity.
“Sadly, several of our professional colleagues and contemporaries have fallen along the line of duty, while some paid the supreme sacrifice in various campaigns, both at the domestic and international scenes,” he said.
He then prayed that the souls of the departed compatriots continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty and that God continue to grant their families the desired comfort for good life.
Gambo said Nigeria was endowed with a professional and vibrant Navy, which had continued to defend her territorial integrity from the maritime flank.
“The Nigerian Navy has ever demonstrated the resolve to protect the invaluable resources within the nation’s maritime environment and project the country’s image globally.
“For me as the 21st indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff, it has been a unique opportunity to lead in the onerous task of delivering on our Navy’s constitutional role.
“I can say that our navy is a Service of global repute and standards, which we can be proud of,” he said.
Awwal said his vision and mission guided the Nigerian Navy to uphold the strong support and values needed to succeed in its activities and operations.
“My mission is to optimise deployment of the Nigerian Navy in performance of her constitutional roles and undertaking of assigned tasks.
“While promptly responding with commensurate actions to other emerging national security challenges.
“Looking back, I proudly reflect on the giant strides we attained in various facets of the Service under my leadership.
“The Nigerian Navy made significant improvement in operations, logistics, manpower development and personnel welfare,” he said.
