The Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar, Cross River State, has graduated another Course of Naval Warfare officers. The 18 graduands were charged to make meaningful contribution towards addressing many of the nation’s security challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Friday, November 1st, 2019 at the Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, the Naval War College Nigeria Commandant, Rear Admiral A. O. Ayobanjo, said the Calabar College was established in May, 2017 and permanently moved to the Paradise city early this year. Since then, the college has been able to undergo Naval Warfare Course 3, churning out a total of 18 graduands – 15 of which are Nigerian Navy officers of Commander rank, 2 officers of Wing Commander rank of the Nigerian Air Force and 1 officer of the Nigerian Army who was recently being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Meanwhile, Ayobanjo earlier stated that before the College the Naval Warfare Course 1 & 2 have graduated a total of 29 officers of the armed forces of Nigeria; 15 officers are of Course 1 and 14 are of Course 2, comprising of 25 Nigerian Navy, 2 Nigerian Air Force and 2 Nigerian Army.
The Commandant said the 18 graduands from the Naval War College, Calabar are now considered capable of undertaking higher operational level command and making meaningful contribution towards addressing many of the nation’s security challenges. “I charge the graduands to show the defining character of the Naval War College Nigeria for land, sea and air services”, he said.
He said also that the Naval War College Nigeria so far has contributed 6 position papers on critical maritime and national security issues in the Naval headquarters and the office of the National Security Adviser.
In his address, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd.), ably represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General A. G. Olonisakin, said in about 2 years, the College has grown to be recognised as a cradle of learning and the think-tank of the Nigerian Navy.
He added that, “I am therefore delighted that the Naval War College Nigeria has remained focused and abiding in the universal values, because the learning objectives at the College focuses on national security, military strategy, theatre strategy and operational art.
“It is my belief therefore, that with continuing and sustainability of this level of training, coupled with ongoing reequipping of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the 3 Services represented will develop the required capacity to overcome the security challenges (many of which are; insurgency in the North East and other vices such as armed banditry, militancy, oil theft and sabotage of our critical oil and gas installations, kidnapping, pastoralist and farmers’ conflicts and political violence) that confront us today and in the future.
“I have no iota of doubt that you the graduands have emerged stronger and better equipped to face the challenges ahead. This is because having successfully completed the 8 months rigour and training in this citadel of learning, you are now better grounded in the intricacies of maritime security and the planning and execution of both single service and joint operations.”
The Minister also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and support to the Armed Forces in the quest to improve the capacity of officers and men.
On his part, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Navy for deeming it fit to site the college in Cross River State.
He said, “I want to assure you that we will continue to provide the enabling environment necessary for the achievement of the mission of the college.
“I am aware that that the Nigerian Navy in recent time is undergoing rapid transformation in other to react appropriately to emerging security threats. We in Cross River State looks forward to having some realistic impulse of the college.
“For the graduands, I hope that you will use the experience gained on the course to make some effect towards the enhancement of our national security”, the Governor charged.
Speaking also, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, said, “the National Assembly will stand with the Nigerian Navy and their visions to achieve such specialise trainings to enable them to tackle the security challenges we are facing today.”
One of the graduand and the president of Naval Warfare Course 3, Commander O. A. Awofe, said the training quite challenging and tedious but the objective was met as they were able to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills as well as the experience to support operational level commanders when they get the field.
“Despite the challenges, we have learnt a lot and we are not better prepared and groom to function in the field at operational level. We have been exposed to contemporary security challenges and we have been able to proffer solutions that can support operational level commanders in fighting and curbing these security challenges. So, we are now in better position and better skills to perform those work”, Awofe said.
Full List of Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar Naval Warfare Course 3 graduands:
1. Lt. Col. P. Kulawe
2. Cdr. O. A. Awofe
3. Cdr. K. K. Ogbonna
4. Cdr. M. A. Fana
5. Cdr. C. C. Ali
6. Cdr. T. Etubus
7. Cdr. M. T. Suleiman
8. Cdr. I. F. Okoloagu
9. Cdr. A. Suleiman
10. Cdr. C. E. Iso
11. Cdr. L. D. Deyin
12. Cdr. S. Ahmadu
13. Cdr. A. A. Folorunsho
14. Cdr. A. A. Jaiyeola
15. Cdr. I. O. Odache
16. Cdr. A. Usman
17. WG Cdr. G. M. Jaja
18. WG Cdr. E. Y. Olaiya
Source - The paradise news
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