A new Commander of the NNS VICTORY, Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, has assumed duty with a promise to sustain efforts at ensuring security of the Calabar territorial water ways.
Oderemi made the promise in Calabar on Wednesday during the handing over ceremony by his predecessor, Commodore Vincent Gbaranwi, who completed his tour of duty of the command.
He, however, called for the collaboration of other sister security agencies for a secured Cross River and beyond.
While commending his predecessor for the successes recorded during his tour of duty at the command, Oderemi said he would sustain and improve on the necessary areas.
According to him, “My predecessor has done well and there is no need changing a winning team; we will only consolidate and perhaps, touch on areas we deem necessary.
“However, because of the security dynamics of the nation, we can all only succeed when there is effective collaboration with other security agencies.
“Let’s share ideas and information that will lead to a secure Cross River and the country at large. I have no doubt in my mind that Cross River will be secured.”
Earlier, Gbaranwi had attributed his successes to the support of the officers and men of the NNS VICTORY, the state government, as well as other security agencies in Cross River.
“As the Commander, I recognised and prioritised both personnel and material as the two key pillars driving the base contribution to the Chief of the Naval Staff strategic directives.
“I understood that having material without personnel with the right state of mind and attitude would amount to nothing, just as having personnel without the requisite material would lead to inadequate functioning.
“In this context, we placed a high priority on the welfare and well-being of personnel, maintained elevated standards of military discipline and orientation, and ensured the availability of functional working equipment and facilities.
“This approach resulted in a formidable naval presence in the maritime environment of Cross River State.
He said this enabled the execution of several raids on criminal hideouts, prevention of kidnappings and other crimes, and the protection of lives and properties, thereby facilitating uninterrupted maritime activities.
He appealed for the extension of the same support and cooperation to his successor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNS VICTORY is one of the three operational bases of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
NNS VICTORY as one of the Type A operational bases under the ENC, is charged with the responsibility of policing the territorial waters, including the backwaters to protect the resources and national installations.
Formerly known as NNS ANANSA, it was established in 1975 before its name was changed to NNS VICTORY in 2004.
Within the past years, 50 commanders had emerged in the base, comprising 25 for NNS ANANSA and 25 for NNS VICTORY.
Notable among the commanders were Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla and Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, who both later became the Chief of Naval Staff.
Commodore Gbaranwi who is the 26th Commander and having completed a tour of duty, handed over the command of the NNS VICTORY to Commodore Rotimi Oderemi.
The handing over was preceded by a farewell parade for Commodore Gbaranwi. (NAN)
