Colourful Sailing Out Of Admiral Gambo, Former CNS

…says ‘our nation is endowed with professional navy’

By: Okosun Dennis

The immediate past Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwul Zubairu Gambo was on Saturday formally pulled/sailed out from the Nigerian Navy after 39 years of meritorious service to the nation.

In a colourful farewell parade commanded by Lt Cmdr A.O Ajayi, at the NNS Quorra Parade Ground, Apapa, the formal CNS was pulled out by retinue of military officers led by the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj Gen Obinna Ajuwa, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command and other senior officers.

The sailing out began at the NNS Quorra and terminated at the NNS Beecroft Jetty where Admiral Gambo boarded NNS Sokoto with his wife, Hajiya Nana Aishat Gambo, his children and family members before sailing out finally from the Nigerian Navy.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech at the NNS Quorra Parade Ground, Vice Admiral Awwul Zubairu Gambo said that the nation is endowed with a professional and vibrant navy that has continued to defend her territorial integrity from the maritime flank.

Just as he added that the Nigerian Navy has demonstrated the resolve to protect the invaluable resources within the nation’s maritime environment and project the country’s image globally.

Gambo reiterated that as the 21st indigenous CNS, it offered him a unique opportunity to pilot the affairs of the navy; delivering on the constitutional roles which has repositioned the Navy as a Service of global repute and standards.

He observed that through collaborative efforts, the Navy is stronger and better positioned than ever before to discharge its constitutional roles for our national security and economic prosperity.

“Therefore, I commended the officers, ratings and civilian staff of our dear Service for their loyalty and dedication, which assisted us to achieve so much. I urge all our personnel to remain steadfast in their service to our fatherland for the overall wellbeing of the Nigerian State.

“Looking back, I proudly reflect on the giant strides we attained in various facets of the Service under my leadership. The Nigerian Navy made significant improvement in operations, logistics, manpower development and personnel welfare.

On dealing with the nuisance value of the pirates, Admiral Gambo emphasized that the Nigerian Navy recorded great achievements in anti-crude oil theft, anti-piracy and counterinsurgency operations as well as fleet renewal and massive infrastructural development among others.

“An appraisal of these efforts explains the successes attained by the Service, with increasing capacity to project force across the Gulf of Guinea in support of our neighbours and international partners. The secrets to these noble achievements remain Teamwork, Integrity and Professionalism.”

Also, he didn’t shy away from remembering some compatriots and colleagues who in the course of duty fell along the line and those that paid the supreme price at various operations both domestic and international scenes, including ECOMOG, counter-piracy and counter-insurgency operations.

“We pray that the souls of our departed compatriots continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty and may God continue to grant their families the desired comfort for good life. Amen.”

While reflecting on his successful military career, Admiral Gambo said his years in the “maritime-oriented life” has been associated with seasons of excitement and demanding experiences.

“My military career, which commenced with my officer cadet training in 1984 has been rewarding. This made it expedient to be surrounded by people who could provide the necessary support to succeed in any chosen profession.

He thanked the immediate past Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammedu Buhari for finding him worthy of leading the Nigerian Navy for almost two and a half years. His appreciation also goes to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the confidence entrusted to the Nigerian Navy.

Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, was born on 22nd April, 1966 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He obtained his First Primary School Leaving Certificate from Gwagwarwa Special Primary School, Kano.

He proceeded to Rumfa College also in Kano, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1984, before enlisting into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 36 Regular Course on 24th September, 1984. He was retired from the service on the 19th June, 2023.

In attendance at the Pulling/Sailing Out ceremony were former Chiefs of Naval Staff, including Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, Admiral Oyibe Usman; former Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt Gens Yusuf Buratai and Faruk Yahaya; Representative of the Inspector General of Police; Senator George Sekibo; members of NOWA and Nigerian Navy Ratings Wives Association; Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, captains of industries and leadership of various paramilitary organizations.