The Western Naval Command (WNC)  has organised a  special event codenamed ‘ceremonial sunset parade’ to mark the end of 2020 year.
The event which ended in the early hours of Sunday  in Lagos was attended by Naval personnel dressed in their ceremonials and invited guests to mark one of the biggest days in the calendar of the Navy worldwide.
Other military top brass, serving and past service chiefs, captains of industry were not left out of the parade.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC)  Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. F. F. Ogu, who was the Special Guest of Honor, said that despite  the challenges  of 2020, the Command performed well in the passing year.
“Significantly, in the last one year, the Nigerian Navy in the Lagos area had been able to achieve some of her set targets inspite of some challenges, especially, the global COVID -19 pandemic and the EndSARS protest.
“The scope of activities of the Command covers operations, training, doctrine and assessment,naval ordnances, logistics and other auxillary services.
“In the midst of the aforementioned challenges, the Command and its  establishments successfully played their roles in ensuring policy implementation, safety and security of the Nigerian maritime domain, training and administration of personnel,” he said.
Ogu also said that the relentless patrols by the Command had led to the arrest of suspects, vessels’ seizures , and  the destruction of illegal facilities.
“In the area of operations, ships and boats were deployed to tackle maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal bunkering, crude oil theft ,smuggling among others.
“Our relentless patrol led to  the arrest of suspects, vessels’ seizures and the  destruction of illegal facilities among others.
“These items have been handed over to  the relevant government agencies for further actions.
“The Command  has continued to optimise the use of its assigned seagoing platforms to maintain presence in its area of responsibility.”
Ogu said, “During  the period under review, ships and boats were at sea for several hours to ensure  security of the backwaters.
“These measures coupled with the efficient use of the NPA facilities and helicopters for  surveillance have  enabled the Command to curtail illegal activities significantly along the creeks and   the waterways,” Ogu said.
Ogu said that in spite of the challenges of  COVID-19 pandemic, NAVTRAC had  continued to provide basic and professional trainings for personnel as well as capacity building.
He said that 3,000 persons were recruited within the period under review, adding that the personnel are still undergoing the requisite training.
“Equally important to note is the no fewer than  4,000 undertraining personnel that underwent or  at present  in training in NN professional schools.”
He said that the Naval Ordnance Depot also provided critical services in ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy operations.
“Provisions and maintenance of essential naval ordnances such as:  firearms, ammunition, as well as ship designs, constructions and refleet has assisted greatly in the service delivery of the NN in the Lagos area.
“Equally key, not only to Naval operations as it includes the mapping of the Nigerian Maritime domain, is the NN Hydrographic.
“Their activities have assisted greatly in ensuring that  the welfare and morale  of the personnel are  maintained through the activities of the Central Pay Office,” he said.
Ogu commended  the other sister agencies and the Lagos State Government for their supports.
“No man is an island. The success attributed to the Command and its establishments would not have been possible without highlighting the supports  of our sister agencies such as: the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, EFCC ,other government agencies, etc.
He said that the Command looked forward to a better synergy with  other stakeholders in the coming years.