President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Nigerians to believe in the ability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.
Speaking Thursday in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos as a special guest at the opening of the 12th Nigerian Navy Games tagged LAGOS 2022, the president assured Nigerians that the armed forces possess the wherewithal to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.
According to him, the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians.
The president also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
President Buhari, who also inaugurated the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, 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 the 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.
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‘‘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 expressed the hope that the Games would provide the needed platform and avenue for the discovery of new talents that will represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions.
He, therefore, urged all participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the competition.
His words: ‘‘I note that all commands in the Nigerian Navy are participating in the Games.
‘‘This means that the Nigerian Navy can take stock of the level of preparedness of its personnel while encouraging the development of team spirit amongst its personnel.
‘‘The Games should therefore provide a glimpse of what Nigerians expect from the Nigerian Navy; dedication, commitment, unity, oneness and comradeship.’’
President Buhari assured Nigerians that the dederal government will continue to encourage sporting activities in view of its importance towards national cohesiveness and unity.
The president also thanked the Lagos State Government for supporting the Games and cooperating with the military in the state, describing the goodwill as highly commendable.
