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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, urged Nigerians to trust the ability of the country’s armed forces to quell the violence and insecurity nationwide and restore lasting peace.
He also said, under his watch, the military would maintain its operational drive to degrade terrorists and their activities, especially in the troubled north.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke in Lagos when he inaugurated the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, as well as its new Sports Complex.
The President was said to have called on citizens to “believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.”
He also assured Nigerians that “the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.”
Buhari also re-emphasised the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
While inaugurating the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, he commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, for investing in sports development.
He said, “Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these games will create a forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more.
“The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes.
“I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex.”
The President who noted that LAGOS 2022 would provide the avenue to discover new talents to represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions urged the 1,800 participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the eight-day competition.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the “coastal state of Lagos” in the security of lives and property.
He, therefore, thanked Buhari for approving the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base in Lekki axis, one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.
In his remarks earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, pledged that the Navy would sustain the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, ensuring that the country maintains its delisting from nations of high piracy risks.
Gambo, who noted that Nigeria exited the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List early this year, said no incidence of piracy has been recorded in the last one year.
He attributed this to the Navy’s willingness and resilience to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
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