CALABAR — THE Nigerian Navy has promoted seventeen top officers, including the Commander, Eastern Naval Command Fleet, Commodore Titus Awoyemi.
Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ganiyu T. A. Adekeye who decorated the officers after the bi-annual inspection of the Command told the officers that promotion was an added responsibility, which must be guarded with a high sense of duty. Adekeye told the other promoted officers which included two Navy Captains and 14 Commanders that the Command and indeed the Nigerian Navy look up to them for the discharge of their duties to the service and nation.
After the inspection, Adekeye said "the inspection offered me the opportunity to assess units’ infrastructure and equipment as well as their operational efficiency. The observed shortcomings would be addressed in the course of our activities next year.
"It is worthwhile to note the high standard of clean ship for this inspection. It is a marked improvement over that of last year; hence I enjoin you to continuously improve on the standard of clean ship, as you know cleanliness is next to Godliness.
"On assumption of command about two years ago, and aware that the motto of the command is 'Victory Ashore and Afloat' and that of the Nigerian Navy (NN) is 'Onward Together'; I brought in the acronym, HHBR, (Homogeneous, Happy and Battle Ready), which has helped me in fashioning out the direction and focus of this Command.
"You should not rest on your oars until we achieve a homogeneous, happy and battle-ready Command. It is on record that sea inspection of ships have not taken place in the Nigerian Navy for quite some time. But early in the year under review, the Command carried out sea inspection of the fleet. Since then the fleet has been continuously exercised and tasked appropriately towards ensuring free flow of shipping to curtail the activities of undesirable elements within the area of operation (AOR).
"We have therefore ensured credible presence within the AOR and our modest achievements in terms of curtailing illegal bunkering and crude oil stealing attest to our collective efforts.
"The importance of information technology (IT) in modern warfare needs not be over-emphasized. In recognition of this, the Command headquarters has been computerised and has a dedicated internet. Also, I want to draw your attention to the challenges of being service personnel in a civil democracy. "Your behaviour outside can either jeopardize or enhance the survival of this democracy."
