Officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard in Banda Kogi state have been charged to remain steadfast in their duties, support one another and continue striving for excellence to achieve professionalism in the service.
The outgoing Commander, Command Naval Drafting (CND) Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, gave the charge on Wednesday at Nigerian Navy Lugard Banda, Kogi state during a send-forth parade organized in his honour.
In his farewell address, Rear Adminiral Tenimu who has been moved to his new assignment as fleet Commander, Central Fleet, told the officers and ratings to always bear in mind that the strength of CND lies in their unity and professionalism, stressing that no department can stand on its own for optimal performance.
Speaking further, he said, “Leadership is not the sole domain of the leader alone but succeeds only in tandem with the followers. And I have been fortunate to have an outstanding team of indefatigable and dedicated officers and men who have worked tirelessly to uphold the values of duty, discipline, and excellence.
“Together, we have faced challenges, overcome obstacles and achieved
remarkable successes. From making bold changes in the running of the CND records, to achieving great milestone in advancement and draft matters, each of you have demonstrated the highest standards of discipline, dedication and professionalism.
“Your unwavering commitment to duty has not only strengthen the CND but the Nigerian Navy in general”
While expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far as the Commander CND, Rear Admiral Tanimu, said they have not only grown in skills and capacity , but also in unity and resilience, acknowledging the sacrifices the officers have been making on daily basis to ensure that the Mother Base Concept approved by the Chief of the Naval Staff has come to stay.
“The major objective of the revised policy on the Mother Base Concept is to encourage stable family life for ratings thereby boosting morale, family bonding and overall efficiency at work.
“The policy seeks to address and improve the stability of rating’s short draft cycles with an extended stay in their chosen Mother Base Area. The policy is further aimed at drafting ratings and improving manpower management of ratings across Nigerian Navy Commands and units for higher efficiency and productivity at work.
“This also afford the ratings the opportunities towards actualizing personal dreams and self development in consonance with demand of the Service. It has been my
privilege to be your commander and I shall leave, knowing that you will not rest on your oars. I therefore have no doubt that you will continue to uphold the highest tradition of service and excellence” he stated.
He commended the Commander NNS Lugard Commodore Tamuno Senibo and his entire staff for the elaborate, befitting and beautiful farewell parade organized in his honour, saying
“I am indeed honoured. You have given me your unwavering and maximum support throughout my tour of duty as the Commander CND and I do not take it for granted. I am most grateful” Rear Admiral Tanimu stated.
In his goodwill message, the Commander NNS Lugard Banda, Commodore Tamuno
Senibo, described Rear Admiral Tanimu as a thorough and experienced officer who had impacted positively in the officers and ratings while occupying the position of Commander CND.
“This is not the first time we are meeting. Our path cross in 2001 when he was my deputy director in charge of operation at the naval headquarters while I was the assistant director operation.
“We had a very robust rapor. He is meticulous and very down to earth person who is ready and willing to teach and impact positively on his subordinates. I think that this is an opportunity for me to honour him in this manner so that there will be much more synergy as it suppose to be” Commodore Senibo said.
Speaking on the effort of NNS Lugard in combating security in Kogi state, the Commander stated that through the commitment and synergies with other sister security agencies they were able to keep the state safe for the people, saying the effort has translated to the peace and tranquility the being enjoyed today.
He re-emphasized the need for the general public to always furnish security agencies with useful information to enable them discharge their duties creditably in the interest of Kogi citizens.
Also in his remark, the Special Adviser to Kogi state government on security, Mr. Jerry Omadara, commended the outgoing Commander CND and wish him more success at the central fleet his new position.
The incoming Commander CND Rear Admiral Muhammad Yakubu Dahiru in his remark , assured that he would sustained the good work his immediate predecessor has done in the Naval Drafting.
“We have been together for over thirty years since the days of our cadet. I promised that I will be firm and fair to ensure that the correct things are done to sustain the high level of professionalism. I met a lot of collaboration and unity, I will sustain that so that jointly we can achieve the desired result for the CND and the Nigerian Navy” he stated.