The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has tasked 19 newly decorated Naval Warrant Officers (NWO) with maintaining a high level of discipline and dedication to the service of the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large.
The CNS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, called on Monday in Abuja while decorating 19 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers with their new ranks.
He said the rank of the NWO, the highest in the rating cadre, was bestowed on the officers because of their discipline, commitment, and dedication to duty over the years.
The Naval Chief said promotion comes from God, and “you should see it as an act of God that he has counted you worthy amongst your colleagues whom you started.”
“You know, many of them might have fallen along the way, and even those still in service, not all of them were counted worthy to be elevated to this enviable rank.
“It is because of your hard work, commitment, dedication to duty, and, more importantly, unblemished record.
“You have played key roles before, and now you have been called upon to play even more important roles because when you are deployed, some of you will find yourself there at the Niger Delta,” he said.
The naval chief advised the promoted officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by ensuring a high level of discipline, adding that more would be required from them in the future.
He said their new ranks would require them to perform high leadership roles.
“So, you must lead by example, with courage and even more dedication.
“Now you will wear the white uniform and other naval accoutrement like white shoes.
“It demands cleanliness and discipline for you to be neat and to appear the way you should appear.
“It will be your responsibility to bring the men and ratings together, talk to them, speak the language they understand, and always ensure you have your act together.
Ogalla congratulated the officers and commended their spouses for being their pillars of support at home, enabling them to effectively discharge their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the newly decorated Navy Warrant Officers, NWO Philip Shishi, appreciated the naval chief for granting them the promotion to the rank of maritime warrant officers.
Shishi said the new ranks had bestowed on them the prestigious title of the Admirals of the Lower Deck, adding that they were aware that higher ranks come with higher responsibilities.
He assured the CNS of their readiness to uphold the sanctity of their new ranks, be more dedicated and dutiful, and continue to be loyal to actualising the naval chief’s vision.
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