Navy signs training pact with Port Harcourt varsity

THE Nigerian Navy Basic training School Onne, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State, for a Leadership and Management Course for naval personnels’ with the aim of advancing into modern ways of curbing various forms of crimes in Nigeria’s maritime environment and in other parts of the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas while speaking at the partnership programme at Onne, said, the four months programme was aimed at developing the intellect, leadership and managerial skills of officers which would at the end bring manpower development and achieve optimal professional capability of personnel.

Represented by Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, the naval boss said, the programme was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration agenda to pursue a reform scheme for change of attitude in all spheres of the national endeavour.

According to him, ‘‘In line with this change syndrome, the Chief of Naval Staff, has placed a high premium on training as aptly captured in his Mission Statement which is, “To deploy a naval force that is well trained, organised and highly motivated to discharge its constitutional roles professionally and efficiently for the defence of Nigeria in ensuring her economic prosperity.

To this end, the CNS Strategic Directive 2015-1 was promulgated which stipulated some strategic objectives towards evolving new approaches to combating the challenges of curbing various forms of crimes in Nigeria’s Maritime environment and in other parts of the country”

He pointed out that, within the specified time frame, one of the key priorities expected to achieve is Promoting NN manpower development to achieve optimal professional capability of personnel.

He however advised the trainees to utilize the opportunity, to enable them contribute productively towards the greater development of the nation, stressing that they are fortunate to be selected to attend the course.

Ekwe-Ibas

He said: ‘‘You as senior ratings of the NN have been selected for this course to prepare you for higher leadership and administrative functions not only within the service but also after disengagement from active service. It is expected that at the end of your sojourn here, you would have acquired sufficient expertise and knowledge needed to enable you contribute productively towards the greater development of the nation‘‘.
The Naval Boss added that, ‘‘For the first time, the NN has concluded arrangements with the University of Port Harcourt to formally run a Diploma programme to concretize your knowledge in man management and administration. I am confident that with the caliber of academic staff from both the University of Port Harcourt and the NN, you will benefit immensely from this course.

I therefore wish to encourage the Commandant, the UNIPORT facilitators and the entire staff of the School to endeavour to impart the best knowledge to the participants. In addition, I wish you excellent health and Gods guidance throughout the period of this course‘‘.

On his part, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale , described the programme as a welcome development that would contribute immensely to the growth of the country.He disclosed the institutions readiness to impart the requisite knowledge on the naval personnel.Also, The Head of the Naval School, Commodore Peter Onaji expressed optimum that the training would boost performances of the officers.