The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.), has charged naval ratings to be loyal, patriotic and support President Muhammadu Buhari.
Magashi gave the charge during the passing out parade of Batch 32 trainees of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State on Saturday.
He said, “It is also worthy of note that Federal Government programmes and plans for the Armed Forces provide hope and confidence for a brighter future.
“These are in the areas of support for operations, infrastructural developments and welfare packages being sustained.
“These are great motivational initiatives of the present administration. As the saying goes, ‘to whom much is given, much is desired’.
“Gentlemen, it is pertinent to state that the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, demands from you, the passing-out trainees, loyalty, patriotism and unflinching support to constituted authority.”
Magashi further said, “It is also gladdening to review this magnificent and colourful parade, which subtly depicted strength, courage, enthusiasm and determination by these 1,008 ratings that successfully completed the arduous training that commenced about six months ago at this citadel of learning.”
He said the navy training school had been responsible for initial and basic training of ratings.
The minister further said the training had evolved with best practices required to withstand contemporary challenges in line with acceptable global standards.
“Accordingly, I am optimistic that you have acquired rudiments necessary for kinetic approaches to facilitate resolution of conflicts during unprecedented emergencies.
“Therefore, I urge you to apply these acquired rudiments proportionally and appropriately in the discharge of your duties in support of national security,” he stated.
Magashi said to further strengthen the Armed Forces readiness for improved national security, the Nigerian Navy embarked on tremendous expansion in infrastructural development as well as undergoing platform acquisition and recapitalization.
