The Nigerian Navy has commended ratings and civilian staff of the Naval Unit Abuja for their dedication,hard work and professionalism that has culminated into great success in the year 2022 and charged them to double their efforts in the next year 2023 in securing the seat of government.
The Chief of Administration Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Barabutemegha Jason Gbassa gave the charge in Abuja during the Naval Unit Abuja Social Activities (NUASA 2022) marking the end of year 2022.
Gbassa represented by Rear Admiral Kennedy Obi Egbuchulam said their commitments led to a secured environment for the peace loving people of Abuja to celebrate the Christmas as well as the New Year.
“I want to emphasize that the navy places very high premium on you ratings and civilian staff,you constitute the bulk of the strength of the Navy and to a very large extent the operations of the Navy rests squarely on your shoulders. This particular dispensation of leadership in the NN appreciates the immeasurable contributions of NN ratings.
“I commend you all for your part individually and collectively to the success of NN activities and operations. This has provided a secured environment for the peace loving people of Abuja to celebrate the Christmas as well as the New Year” he said.
He thanked families of the ratings for their sacrifice in keeping the home front while they answer the call of military duties.
“I appreciate your family members for their support and maintaining the home front particularly when their spouses,father’s or parents are out answering the call to military duty”
He said the event was put together to remove ratings from “your often regimented routine and expose you to an atmosphere where you can relax and feel free with one another as well as with families and your counter part”.
In his remarks,the Commander Naval Unit Abuja, Commodore Abdulrahman Mohammed said the NUASA provides an avenue for officers, ratings, their families as well as our civilian staff to unwind.
He said the strength of the Unit has been that of collective will to serve as a Garrison to Naval Headquarters and provide security and escorts to Abuja area when necessary.
“We have endeavoured to accomplish this in the past years despite the numerous constraints the Unit has faced.
“The reality on the ground suggests that we cannot rest on our oars. I take this opportunity to assure you that, in these tasks, we will continue to ensure an enabling environment.
“As officers and ratings of NUA, you must therefore take your duties seriously as your progression will be based on your professional competence. It is imperative that you utilize all available opportunities to attain sound professional growth and eschew practices likely to earn you unpleasant measures”.
He noted that while “we have the officers and ratings cadre ,the ratings cadre form the bulk of the fighting force and it’s not all about fighting,we occasionally such as this recognize and appreciate the efforts of our ratings”.
He restated that due to the untiring efforts of the ratings in collaboration with sister services the security situation in FCT has improved tremendously adding that “we will do everything within our power to ensure that the seat of government is secured”
