Nigerian Navy name complex after President Buhari

The Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo has charged officers and ratings of the force to ensure that they embraced loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

This is even as the Nigerian Navy named the administrative block of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta after President Muhammadu Buhari.

Gambo who was speaking at the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State at the handing over of building projects executed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the college on Monday reminded the personnel of the force that “the federal government demands your loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of your responsibilities.”

The Chief of Naval Staff who disclosed that continuous training is part of a sustainable plan of his administration to promote human capacity building of its personnel noted that the Owerrinta Finance and Logistics college has over the years revolved to become a notable training institution that thrives for the highest standards of training towards the objectives of the revised Nigerian Navy transformation plan.

“The recent operation engagements necessitated the upgrade of the colleges curriculum to carter for the training of the personnel from the personnel and accounts and budget and logistics branches.

“Notably, the college has evolved through the years to become a training institution that thrives for the highest standards of training towards the objectives of the revised Nigerian Navy transformation plan.

“I am particularly glad to note that the college in pursuit of the revised transformation plan 2011-2020 has repositioned its training activities especially in catering, finance and logistics management.

“The college has also introduced the Ordinary National Diploma programme along logistics and management courses in addition to reviving practical catering programme.”

Rear Admiral Gambo who thanked the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and management team for ensuring that the project which was approved in 2013 was completed despite the setback it had suffered said “these achievements were made possible when the college and indeed, the Nigerian Navy approached the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its intervention to construct critical training facilities.

“Gladly the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and management obliged the request by constructing an administrative block, academic block, auditorium, male and female hostels, library, dining hall, gymnasium and a swimming pool.

It is important to mention that these projects commenced in 2013, but suffered funding and project management setback which delayed its completion.

“However, the collective efforts of stakeholders and commitment of the CBN, the project finally came to friction and the reason for today’s event.

“It is instructive to state that this infrastructure development has not only enhanced the esthetic outlook of the college, but has significantly improved the learning and working environment for the students and staff alike.

“It is a generally accepted norm that training constitutes the best form of welfare to the military workforce. Thus, in line with my vision which accord priority to training and welfare of the personnel, I ensured due diligence in the application of resources approved by my predecessor for the furnishing of the facilities for commissioning today.

“Despite all other pressing demands, the Nigerian Navy under my watch would ensure continued support to Nigerian Navy Finance and logistics college as well as provision of the wherewithal for its training activities.

“I am pleased to say that today’s event bears testimony to the close relationship and cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the CBN as well as the governors of Abia and Imo State that have supported the college in its drive to ensure quality training of its personnel.

“I am certain that the officers and ratings of the college have taken ownership of these facilities and would ensure its preservation.

“Furthermore, I want to reiterate to the officers and ratings, that the federal government demands your loyalty and professionalism in the discharge of your responsibilities.”

Also speaking Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has charged the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to tailor their training to be in line with the 21st century challenges.

Governor Ikpeazu who was a Special Guest at the commissioning of the Central Bank of Nigeria Intervention Projects at Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Isialangwa South LGA said Nigeria is beset with myriad of security challenges, especially, insurgency which requires urgent attention. According to him, the trend places a new burden on the shoulders of the Navy and other security outfits in the country.

Dr. Ikpeazu said that time has come to put aspect of Finance Intelligence on the curriculum of the Armed Forces of the country to ascertain movement of funds outside Nigeria, especially by insurgents.

He commended the vision and depth of the Nigeria Navy in thinking towards training as what is required to enhance the confidence of the officers and men of the force and expressed happiness with the track record of the Nigerian Navy.

While noting that the Nigerian Navy has remained a flagship force that every other security arm in Nigeria tries to emulate, he appreciated the contributions of the Nigerian Navy in sustaining law and order. He pledged the support of the Abia State government towards the operations, development and growth of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta.

Governor Ikpeazu, who urged the students of the College to make good use of the conducive environment provided for their learning, assured that Nigeria would rise from the ashes of its challenges to be the pride of Africa.

In his goodwill message, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma lauded the officers and men of the Navy for their efforts in protecting lives and property in Abia and Imo States.

He thanked the management of the CBN for the intervention in the College and commended the citizens of Abia and Imo States for their sustained support to the Nigerian Navy in doing their job and urged them to sustain the support to the officers and men of the Navy.

In her speech, the representative of the CBN, Mrs. Amina Oni said the college was important to the development and training of the officers hence the need to intervene in the construction of the buildings, which she described as part of the corporate social responsibility of CBN.

Earlier, the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Commander Suleman Abdullah appreciated the CBN for the construction of building projects which include; Administration Block, Academic Block, Auditorium, Library & Dining Halls, Hostels amongst others.

He said the buildings would assist the institution greatly and thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his support, saying that he was pleased by the Governor’s presence at the event.

One of the projects, a gigantic three storey male hostel building was also named after a former Military Governor of the old Imo State, Rtd. Navy Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh.