MINISTER OF DEFENCE REAFFIRMS FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA.

-As Naval War College Nigeria Graduates 21 Participants of Naval Warfare Course 4

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has reaffirmed the commitment of President Muhammadu Buharis administration to continuously support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to develop requisite capacity to tackle the security challenges bedeviling the country. The Honourable Minister stated this while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the graduation ceremony of Naval Warfare Course (NWC) 4 Participants of the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN) held on Friday, 27 November 2020 in Calabar. The Honourable Minister who was represented at the graduation by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin noted that the country is currently beset with myriad of threats that has affected the overall security of the nation. He elucidated that these threats have seen the Armed Forces engaged in various operations across the country to curtail the myriads of security challenges especially the insurgency in the North East, banditry and rampant kidnapping in the North West as well as other agitations and violent crimes in all parts of our nation. As such, he saluted the efforts of the Nigerian Navy (NN) for its significant contributions towards improving national security both in the hinter land and across the nation’s maritime domain.

During his speech, the Honourable Minister congratulated and commended the graduands for their resilience and hard work to successfully complete the Course. In this regard, he reminded them that the expected training outcome would be seen in their capacity as they imbibe practical and pragmatic approach to overcoming security threats to the corporate existence of the nation. He expressed belief that upholding the standards set for this level of training would develop the much needed capacity to overcome current and future security challenges of the nation. He therefore charged them to do the nation proud in any capacity they find themselves.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade while delivering a goodwill message at the graduation ceremony appreciated the efforts of the AFN in general and the NN in particular towards ensuring collective security in the state. Professor Ayade also represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr Ivara Esu commended the invaluable support and contribution of NN at providing security to the State. According to him, the establishment of the NWCN in Calabar has enhanced security, engender development and further cement the long standing cordial relationship between the NN and the state. In this regard, he applauded the leadership of the NN for placing importance to training of its personnel and promised that the state government will continue to support and collaborate with the NN in the discharge of its constitutional role of defending the nation and providing security in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Adeseye Ayobanjo said that this Graduation Ceremony was the fourth since the establishment of the College in May 2017. According to him, the College had in the past trained and graduated a total of 47 officers of AFN with Naval Warfare Course 1 having 15 officers, Naval Warfare Course 2 having 14 officers and Naval Warfare Course 3 having 18 officers. The 8 months Naval Warfare Course 4 which commenced online on 24 April 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Country and later resumed normal classes consists of 21 participants comprising; 18 from NN, 2 from Nigerian Army and one from Nigerian Air Force.

The graduation ceremony witnessed presentation of awards to deserving participants. The event was attended by some dignitaries including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen AG Olonisakin, Executive Governor of Cross Rivers State, Professor Ben Ayade represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Ivara Esu. Others are the CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, representatives of other Service chiefs and Inspector General of Police, Director Navy, Zonal Coordinator of the Naval Officers Wives Association (Eastern Zone) and other serving and retired senior military and para-military officers.

SULEMAN DAHUN
Commodore
for Chief of the Naval Staff