REMARK BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM MNIM MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI ON THE OCCASION OF THE 36 REGULAR COURSE ASSOCIATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS DINNER ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2021
PROTOCOL
The Special Guest of Honour – CDS.
COAS.
CAS.
President 36 RC Association.
Distinguished Colleagues.
Our Wives.
Other Invited Guests.
Our Children.
1. I am most delighted to see everyone this evening including our beautiful spouses and lovely children. Indeed, we have every reason to thank and appreciate the Almighty God for sparing our lives. I must not fail to remember our departed colleagues, my prayer is that God in His infinite Mercies would grant them peaceful repose and continue to comfort their families. Ameen.
2. Distinguished invited guests, colleagues and family members, some 37 years ago, the gentlemen here this evening, we were brought together by fate to serve our dear nation as members of the 36RC at the Prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). I recall with a deep sense of nostalgia some good old moments such as “Raw Crabs” and subsequent passing out from the Academy. CNS could thus recount some notable events about the 36RC.
3. Today those youngsters that assembled at the NDA have in their sojourns made notable marks in their chosen endeavours. To the glory of Almighty God, 36RC has produced a Service Chief. This is no mean feat and we should be grateful to God for his kindness to us all. Pertinently, the dynamics of events that produce a Service Chief or any appointment at this level is really not what anyone can predict with certainty. For instance, our esteemed Special Guest Honour this evening was elevated from a 2 Star to a 4 Star General. That gives us a sense of the point I am trying to make. What is however more important is what we are doing this evening. That, as Coursemates, we understand that we share a common destiny regarding the security of our great country and we can sit together today with our spouses and children. This shows that we have developed a bond that should transcend life after Service. I am happy to note that the ambience this evening is that of comradeship extended to our better halves and for our children to emulate.
4. At this juncture, my dear Coursemates, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the entire Course members for finding me worthy and appointing me as the new Patron of the Course Association. I want to formally convey my acceptance to serve as the Patron of the 36RC Association. With your cooperation, I promise to discharge my responsibility for the good of the Association. Notably, the 36RC Association was instituted to build and strengthen the relationship between us. This involves catering for the well-being and welfare of members. I must state that so far the conduct of the Executive Members has been commendable hence the Association is a reference point to other Courses. Therefore, as the new Patron, I wish to solicit for all hands to be on deck to support the Executive Members to sustain the ideals of the Association. This would not only promote the welfare of members but the Association would continue to be a shining example to others. Thus, to sustain the momentum of the Association, I would like to support the Association with a token donation of………….. (At this junction, (CNS could make a pronouncement of his donation or request to convey same to the Executive Members).
5. Before I conclude, I wish to stress the need for us to continue to support each other in our endeavours. Equally, I urge our spouses to close ranks and work together for the benefit of our children. Without mincing words, we have gotten to a point in our career where we need each other’s support. Accordingly, regular exchange of text messages, phone calls or visits would no doubt go a long way in boosting our well-being and strengthening our bond.
6. On this note, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the organisers of the 36RC Association Anniversary Celebrations leading to this Anniversary Dinner. To our spouses, I say a big thank you for always being there for us and keeping the home front. May God continue to bless you for us. On my part, I would always relish this wonderful gathering while praying that the Almighty God continues to keep every one of us safe and prosperous in our endeavours. Let me also state that you all can count on my support while I also solicit your counsel to succeed as your Chief of the Naval Staff. Thank you all, God bless and Onward Together.