WELCOME SPEECH BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO GSS AM psc ensp(RSA) MTM MNIM MUSNI FCIS MIPM MISP FIIPS FCAI AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK: AN ADMIRAL’S COMPASS; REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP MILITARY STRATEGY AND MARITIME SECURITY ON 1 JULY 2021
PROTOCOL
The Chairman of the Occasion,
The Author,
Reviewers,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I am indeed honoured to be in your midst on the occasion of today’s event. I thank everyone here for availing themselves to grace this epoch making event. For those who are unable to join in physically but are connected virtually, I equally welcome you all. Distinguished invited guests, we are gathered here today to publicly launch what I would term an uncommon but important collection of well thought and researched information from the author’s wealth of experience.
2. Notably, the Book, An Admiral’s Compass: Reflections on Leadership, Military Strategy and Maritime Security, is an informative and authoritative book that historically documents issues surrounding the surveillance systems and maritime security within the country. It highlights the pressing issues in the maritime environment including suggesting and recommending bold steps, approaches and processes in ensuring that the sovereignty of the Nation remains firm and unthreatened in the ocean.
3. The objective of this book is to inspire fundamental change in attitudinal approach to training and reconcile the symbiotic relationship between training, education and experience. Admittedly, this would lead to the development of leaders that can readily meet the challenges of the 21st Century, explore viable funding options for effective transformation of the Nigerian Navy as well as advocate cooperation with other agencies and institutions to achieve the nation’s maritime objectives. Furthermore, it would inspire the development of effective strategies to the twin evils of piracy and terrorism in our waters, amongst others.
4. Relatedly, An Admiral’s Compass offers a roadmap for solving pertinent issues that continue to plague the Nigerian Navy. According to Herman Melville, I Quote, “To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme“. Unquote. Writing a book is no mean feat especially for a delicately poised subject like maritime security, and it can only be done by courageous people who are willing to give all it takes to make a real difference in the Nigerian maritime space. I must commend the author, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan, a man who has been described by many as a quintessential gentleman and an elder statesman for putting together a series of proven strategies that he garnered in a career that spanned decades.
5. Let me conclude by saying that the naval space needs more authoritative and informative books like this given the constant need to beef up security strategies. I therefore welcome this book’s focus on how to get things done and I recommend it as a worthy companion for every naval officer. I am equally convinced that the book would serve as a viable reference material for academic research.
6. Thank you once again for coming and I hope you enjoy the rest of the day. Thank you, God bless and Onward Together.