REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL AZ GAMBO GSS AM psc ensp (RSA) MTM MNIM FCIS MIPM FIIPS FCAI ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMISSIONING AND HANDOVER OF JETTY AND SHORELINE PROTECTION FACILITIES AT UNDERWATER WARFARE SCHOOL – NAVY TOWN OJO
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1. On behalf of officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I have the honour to once again appreciate the presence of the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of State for Health Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government and specially thank Mr President, C-in-C of the Federal Republic of Nigerian AFN for his commitment towards addressing ecological challenges in the country and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for seeing to the awards of contract as well as the Ecological Fund Office and Contractor for seeing to the completion of the project.
2. Today’s event marks another milestone in the intervention effort of the Ecological Fund Office at addressing ecological challenges across the country. I am therefore grateful that the Ecological Fund Office considered the NN one of the beneficiaries of its mitigation efforts in line with Mr President’s pledge that no part of the country would be neglected under the present administration.
3. Notably, the efficient and effective projection of seapower by maritime forces is dependent on the physical configuration of the harbours and jetties which constitute a critical interface connecting the sea with land. The shoreline protection and the restoration of the jetty would no doubt enhance NN maritime security operations. It is instructive to state that the timely completion of this project has helped to stave off the fears associated with shoreline erosion including the attendant risk of flooding to the entire landscape. This is even more worrisome considering that Navy Town is a strategic naval establishment housing the largest NN barracks as well as other major NN establishments including providing a sheltered harbour for berthing of critical naval assets and some of our vessels. Again, this project has enhanced the aesthetic outlook of the shoreline thus facilitating other recreational use of the adjourning water body. I wish to state that the NN will take ownership of the project and I assure the SGOH that we would ensure the sustainability and maintenance of this project.
4. Even as we commission this project today, some of our vessels have already been earmarked to berth at this facility. The only hindrance is the non-completion of dredging activities from the approaches of Badagary Creek. Additional dredging operations would therefore be required to facilitate a safe and unhindered use of the Jetty. Additionally, I would urge further intervention in the area of the shoreline protection from the current 80 metres to at least another 400 metres to cover up to the JMSTC and the SBS Camp, which is currently nearing completion. This way, I believe that the FGN would have had returns on the resources committed to the project and greatly reinvigorate NN’s response and strike capability against the criminal elements at sea.
5. On this note, I wish to specially appreciate His Excellency, Mr President C-in-C Muhammadu Buhari for considering the NN as a suitable beneficiary of this important project. I respectfully seize this opportunity to humbly solicit for more of Ecological Fund Office’s intervention in other identified sites at NN bases and establishments namely; Escravos, Ibaka, Igbokoda, and Calabar Jetty. I assure that the Navy will by such intervention be even more emboldened in the performance of her statutory role of maritime defence and security of the nation’s maritime domain.
6. Finally, I most sincerely thank the Special Guest of Honour and other distinguished invited guests for gracing the occasion. I wish you all a safe return to your various destinations. As we say in the NN, thank you and Onward Together.