ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF PROJECTS AT THE MILITARY PENSIONS BOARD ON 27 SEPTEMBER 2021
PROTOCOL
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I am delighted to be in your midst today to witness the commissioning ceremony of projects at the Military Pensions Board (MPB). Today’s event is a manifestation of the genuine desire to add value and improve the welfare and well-being of personnel, veterans and civilian staff at the Board. This development aligns with the vision of the NN under my watch and I am elated to be part of this landmark event.
2. Notably, this huge investment in infrastructure upgrades at the Board is unprecedented since its relocation to this present location. This feat no doubt deserves some commendation considering the dwindling national resources amidst other competing demands coupled with the global economic downturn arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. I must therefore applaud the leadership of the Military Pensions Board for the prudent utilisation of limited resources for the improvement of the welfare of personnel, civilian staff, esteemed retirees and the Next of Kins of our deceased personnel.
3. Pertinently, the newly constructed transit accommodation for officers and non-commissioned officers as well as the remodelled 24 office spaces would address the accommodation challenges faced by personnel at the Board. In the same vein, the importance of sports to the wellbeing of personnel/civilian staff cannot be overemphasised. To this end, the use of the renovated sports complex, including the Olympic-sized swimming pool would enhance the health and physical wellbeing of personnel especially as the Armed Forces is leaving no stone unturned in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. These projects would in addition to boosting the aesthetic outlook of the Board, create the desired ambience that would motivate the staff and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the construction of the new multipurpose minimart to meet the immediate needs of personnel is an ingenious effort. This has further reaffirmed the commitment of the Board’s leadership to the welfare of its staff. I must say that this achievement deserves a resounding round of applause.
4. Relatedly, the creation of observation posts around the Board considering its remote location is also a step in the right direction. I would also like to categorically state that, the state-of-the-art main entrance gate, the access road and the perimeter fencing constructed by the Board would assist in reinforcing the security architecture and serve as deterrence to intruders.
5. Distinguished invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to state that the plan by the MPB to embark on Electronic Verification of military pensioners to replace the Manual System is a laudable initiative. It is envisaged that the Electronic Verification of military pensioners would resolve the challenges experienced in the existing manual system. Specifically, it would lead to substantial financial savings to the FGN through the progressive elimination of ghost or deceased pensioners while also eliminating the stress the senior citizens endure during manual verification exercises. The Chairman, you have our full support on this new initiative.
6. Before I conclude, let me quickly state that the NN under my leadership would continue to support the MPB towards the improvement of the welfare of our veterans and support to NOK’s of deceased personnel. Let me also reiterate that Mr President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to support our veterans as well as serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. To this end, I therefore charge all officers, soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen and civilian staff of the MPB to continue to strive for excellence and professionalism in the discharge of their duties and responsibility.
7. On this note, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all our Distinguished invited guests for making this event a memorable one. My gratitude goes to all the friends of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Veterans Associations and all stakeholders of the Military Pensions Board for your cooperation and support. Lastly, I congratulate the leadership of MPB under Commodore SA Lawal, and his team of officers, soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen and civilian staff for your dedication and patriotism. I therefore urge you all to remain focused to sustain the Board on the path of progress.
8. Once again, thank you for inviting me to be part of this epoch-making event at the Board. Be assured of the NN’s support to the activities of the MPB towards enhancing the welfare of veterans and pensioners. I wish you a safe trip back to your various destinations, thank you, God bless and ONWARD TOGETHER.