The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.) has charged naval ratings to be loyal, patriotic and support the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
Magashi gave the charge during the passing out parade of batch 32 trainees of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State on Saturday.
He expressed happiness that the trainees were joining the navy and the armed forces at a time the nation required such traits to effectively combat diverse insecurity currently being experienced.
He said, “It is also worthy of note, that Federal Government programmes and plans for the Armed Forces provides hope and confidence for a brighter future.
“These are in the areas of support for operations, infrastructural developments and welfare packages being sustained.
“These are great motivational initiatives of the present administration. As the saying goes, ‘To whom much is given much is desired’.
“Gentlemen, it is pertinent to state that the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, demands from you the Passing out Trainees, loyalty, patriotism and unflinching support to constituted authority.”
Magashi further said,”It is also gladdening to review this magnificent and colourful parade, which subtly depicted strength, courage, enthusiasm and determination by these 1,008 ratings that successfully completed the arduous training that commenced about six months ago at this citadel of learning.”
He said the navy training school has been responsible for initial and basic training of ratings.
The minister further said the training has evolved with best practices required to withstand contemporary challenges in line with acceptable global standards.
“Accordingly, I am optimistic that you have acquired rudiments necessary for kinetic approaches to facilitate resolution of conflicts during unprecedented emergencies.
“Therefore I urge you to apply these acquired rudiments proportionally and appropriately in the discharge of your duties in support of national security,” he stated.
Magashi said to further strengthen the Armed Forces readiness for improved national security, the Nigerian Navy embarked on tremendous expansion in infrastructural development as well as undergoing platform acquisition and recapitalisation.
He said, “The latest acquisition being Nigeria Navy Ship KADA, a Landing Ship Tank, which joined other platforms of the Nigerian Navy in May this year.
” I am optimistic that induction of NNS KADA in the fleet, would further consolidate deterrence capability of the Nigerian Navy against maritime crimes and illegalities within our maritime domain and by extension the Gulf of Guinea.
“The landing ship tank will also serve as a force multiplier in Nigerian Navy’s ability to project naval power, respond to crises as well as support non-kinetic operations within the region and the global community. NNS KADA will no doubt boost Nigerian Navy’s capability in support of ECOWAS mandate and beyond.”
Magashi commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and people of the state for their support and cordial relationship with the training school.
