REMARKS DURING SEND-OFF CEREMONY OF POSTED OUT OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONING OF STAFF CANTEEN

REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO GSS AM psc ensp(RSA) MTM MNIM MUSNI FCIS MIPM MESP FIIPS FCAI DURING SEND-OFF CEREMONY OF POSTED OUT OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONING OF STAFF CANTEEN AT DEFENCE SPACE ADMINISTRATION ON 27 APRIL 2021

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It gives me great pleasure to meet with you all again having left at short notice to answer the clarion call to lead the Nigerian Navy as the Chief of the Naval Staff in early January. My sudden departure from the DSA family has been with mixed feelings and it has been difficult for me to keep abreast events onboard due to exigencies of Service. Nonetheless, I am in regular contact with the CDSA, R Adm WO Kayoda who I must appreciate for his foresight in continuing the improvement to the infrastructures in the Administration. I am therefore glad to witness the sustenance of the serene environment. This is indicative of the relentless support by the officers, men and civilian staff of DSA.

It is gratifying that the Administration thought it fit to organise a send-off ceremony in honour of posted out officers. This gesture is an affirmation of the bond of friendship and military solidarity that exists in DSA. I am particularly overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and fulfilment to note that one of the projects I initiated as the immediate past Director of Procurement is being commissioned today. This facility no doubt would contribute to staff welfare especially when one looks back at how staff were cramped in the former temporary canteen which made it difficult to get food during lunch break. On the whole, this facility upgrade would enhance the aesthetic outlook of DSA. I wish to state that you should expect more of such facility upgrades so as to bolster DSA’s ability to meet its mandate. Accordingly, I shall in due course make my modest contribution to the ongoing infrastructure development.

Our dear nation is currently grappling with complex and multiple security challenges that are threatening our national security. Expectedly, DHQ and the Services in particular look forward to DSA for the provision of requisite space and cyber solutions that would serve as force multipliers to commanders in theatre. Notably, the NN Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) infrastructure has been instrumental to NN’s maritime security operations effort. I therefore enjoin the Administration to interface with the NN MDA infrastructure towards enhancing the nation’s national security.

Before I close, permit me to state that I am indeed filled with nostalgia to be back here seeing former colleagues, friends and the DSA Community with whom I shared great moments. I learnt a lot here and part of my policies and drive would reflect these positive values. At this juncture, I must acknowledge my former colleagues at DSA who have moved on to higher responsibilities. I particularly congratulate AVM UP Uzezi the DG Defence Research and Development Bureau, Maj Gen OF Azinta the Chief of Training, AHQ and AVM MN Madi the Air Secretary. Having worked closely with these senior officers, it is easy to conclude that their meritorious service onboard DSA was appreciated by the hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria causing them to be selected to such strategic positions.

My special thanks goes to the DSA community for their sustained prayers for the nation at this challenging moment. By the grace of Almighty God we shall overcome. I also want to wish our Muslim brothers a fruitful Ramadan and pray that all our supplications are answered. Once again, thank you all, God bless and Onward Together.