The Nigerian Navy has promised to be more adaptable, resilient, and technological based to carry out its core mandate of protecting the nation’s maritime assets.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the disclosure during an interdinominational service to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy at the Navy Protestant Church in Calabar on Sunday.

Represented by Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Abbas has displayed professionalism and integrity in carrying out it core mandate over the years.

He, however, noted that going forward, the Navy will work in line with modern trends in terms of surveillance and platforms to carryout it’s operations.

“Since our establishment in 1956, nigerian Navy has grown from a veteran guard as you call those
days to a fully fledged navy that is able to carry out major combat operations and security operations.

“We are the sentinel of Nigeria’s maritime assets and infrastructure value that over billions of
dollars and remain ready and committed to continue to protect these assets for the economic prosperity of the country,” he stated.

Speaking further, he admonished officers and ratings against neglecting their families.

According to him, your family welfare should be of prioritize because of their role in your life. It is because of this that the Navy makes your welfare a priority.”

In his homily, Cdr. Raphael Adelena, officiating minister of the Thanksgiving, urged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to remain united in their pursuit of national peace and security.

In his sermon titled: Unity of Purpose, and reading from the book of Ephesians 17: 18-16, Adelena asserted that each and every one of them has a role to play in the pursuit of national peace and security.

While commending the Navy for it’s professionalism, integrity, and core value over the years, he likened their story to that of Israel and Egyptians.

He, however, admonished them to always include the spiritual side of battle in their fight against insecurity in the country.

According to him, each and every one of you has a role to play in pursuit of national peace. No role is too small to be neglected.

“We must remain united to celebrate more. Celebration is a Clarion call for all to work together in unity pf purpose.

“The question, however, is are we all playing our role as it ought to be?

“We have got to remain united in purpose. That is the only way our ship will sail.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Navy kick-off the week-long activities on Friday with a Jumat prayer.