BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU
The importance of training and physical fitness in the Armed Forces has been highlighted.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo made the emphasis at the Nigerian Navy Inter-Command Swimming Competition 2021 in Onne, Rivers State .
All the Naval Commands and Headquarters participated in the two days swimming Competition, which was aimed at fostering collaboration among different commands and discovery of talents that will represent the Navy and Nation in global Competitions.
Dignitaries
The Special Guest of Honor and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo noted that synergy among officers was key in confronting insecurity within the nation’s territorial integrity and the gulf of Guinea.
Vice Admiral Gambo who was represented at the closing ceremony by the Chief of Policy and plans, Rear Admiral Christian Ezekobe enjoined the participants to translate the gains of the competition into meaningful ventures in the battle against insurgency, militancy and pipeline vandalism.
” No doubt the competition has contributed to building espirit the corps amongst us, team spirit and cooperative attitudes are virtues most desirable at this critical time to meet complex security challenges confronting our dear nation. Let me congratulate all the Nigerian Navy Commands for participating in this year’s competition “
Earlier, Chief of Administration, Vice Admiral FO Issac who also represented the Chief of Naval Staff at the Opening ceremony identified swimming skill as indispensable for the aquatic force in their bid to protect the nation’s maritime domain.
“Accordingly, the Nigerian Navy decided to organize this competition because of its important to the physical, mental and social development of personnel. It is necessary to always put personnel abreast in the area of their statutory responsibility “
Six Naval Commands participated in the competition apart from other Armed Forces teams.
Central Naval Command emerged tops with a total of seventeen medals, followed by Naval Training Command with sixteen medals, while Western Naval Command brought up the rear with one medal.
The event Was well attended by senior military officers from the Armed Forces.
