The Nigerian Navy has elevated 12 Master Warrant Officers (MWOs) with the rank of Lieutenant following the grant of Presidential Concessional Commission by President Muhammadu Buhari on the recommendation of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.
Gambo said while decorating the Lieutenants that the initiative was to reward personnel, in fulfilment of his resolve to encourage hard work, commitment and integrity, which would portray the Nigerian Navy in good light.
According to him, “man” remains the most critical and important factor for any organisation to succeed, adding that the Nigerian navy under his watch will stop at nothing to ensure personnel who distinguish themselves are rewarded handsomely.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo who personally administering oat of allegiance to the newly promoted officers said Navy would continue to pay attention to human development.
“Today, I am glad to observe that the Nigerian Navy has placed a high premium on human capacity development particularly with the introduction of several motivational incentives towards enhancing human resource output for optimal operational efficiency of the Nigerian Navy.
“In addition to ongoing in-country regular training for career progression and development, slots for comparative training are sourced abroad to complement local training.
“Furthermore, as part of the efforts to reinvigorate aspiration, leadership and strive for excellence within the ratings cadre, the Nigerian Navy activated the concessional commission provision in the Harmonised Terms and Condition of Service – Officers 2017 (Revised).
“The provisions of the Concessional Commission allow for outstanding personnel of the rank of Master Warrant Officer and above or equivalent who possess exemplary leadership qualities and have distinguished themselves through hard work, dedication and meritorious service to be commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Concessional Commission also serves as a motivational measure for non-commissioned officers to aspire to be elevated to the officer cadre,” he said.
Gambo said that the 12 commissioned officers had distinguished themselves and were found worthy of the recognition and elevation.
He urged them to fulfil the Oath of Allegiance that was administered to them and remain steadfast and loyal to constituted authorities and diligently focus on their assigned duties.
He also advised them to avoid any act that could bring disrepute to the Nigerian Navy and by extension the nation.
“May I also add that a lot will be expected of you as officers, given your experience and pedigree in the service, especially in the light of the contemporary security challenges our nation faces.
“These challenges undoubtedly call for dedication, selflessness,professionalism, integrity and teamwork, which you must depict at all times,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the commissioned officers, Lt. Ehimika Johnson, thanked God for granting them good health, favour in attaining the new rank of an officer cadre.
He thanked the CNS for finding them worthy of the elevation .He assured that they would put in their best and perform duties as expected of them.