The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday decorated 12 Master Warrant Officers (MWOs) with the rank of Lieutenant after granting them Presidential Concessional Commission by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.
Speaking during the ceremony, Gambo said 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.
“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 the 12 commissioned officers 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 and help to attain the new rank of an office cadre.
He thanked the CNS for finding them worthy of the elevation, pledging to ensure that they perform their duties as expected of them.
“We are aware that the new rank comes with greater responsibility and we promised to remain loyal and committed to the Nigerian Navy and the nation,” he said.