REMARKS BY THE SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA) MTM FNIM LMUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 9TH POLO TOURNAMENT ORGANISED BY THE KEFFI POLO RANCH ON SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2021
PROTOCOL
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I am indeed delighted to identify with this gathering of distinguished personalities on the occasion of the 9th Polo Tournament organised by the Keffi Polo Ranch. Today’s event brings to a climax the week-long tournament in support of Education and Educational Development in Nigeria. This event is one of the 2 major tournaments in the Calendar of this great Polo Club. My special appreciation and congratulations to the promoter and members of the Organizing Committee of this landmark event.
2. Notably, education is regarded as the best legacy to bequeath to the younger generation. On its part, the NN is committed to the education and educational development of the children/wards of its personnel including children and youths from the host communities through the establishment of welfare schools across the country. Equally, the NN is actively involved in the ongoing safe school initiative towards creating a safe and secure learning environment for children and youths across the country. Today’s event is thus a noble course and I believe through this Tournament we are collectively investing in the future of our children and youths. Also, this initiative constitutes a modest contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts at providing quality education for the Nigerian child and youths. I am therefore happy to notify you that the NN is delighted to be part of this laudable endeavour.
3. Distinguished invited guests, during this Year’s Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC) that took place in Kano, the navy family was formally introduced to the game of Polo through a Polo Tournament organised by the 21 Guards Brigade Polo Club as part of the events for the Conference. Let me put on record that the Polo Tournament turned out to be very impactful. Thus, as a team sport, the game highlights the importance of building strong communication, and developing leadership skills and teamwork among the players. These attributes are quite instructive towards developing the desired comradery needed to foster synergy and teamwork among personnel in the discharge of our security obligations.
4. I am happy to inform you that the NN has commenced the process of identifying personnel who are Polo players and Polo enthusiasts and soon the NN would establish its Polo Club. I believe this would contribute to the development of the game of Polo in Nigeria. On this note, I wish to thank the Founder/Patron of the Keffi Polo Ranch in person of Honourable Ahmed Wadada Aliyu for the invitation. I must not hesitate to also express my sincere appreciation to the members of the organising committee of this wonderful Tournament. May I also seize this opportunity to appreciate all the invited guests for gracing this occasion. Thank you all, God bless and Onward Together.
AZ GAMBO
Vice Admiral
November 2021 Chief of the Naval Staff