GOVERNOR ABDULLAHI GANDUJE SEEKS ESTABLISHMENT OF NAVAL FORMATION IN KANO STATE
Oru Leonard
The Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has requested for the establishment of a naval formation in Kano State. The Governor made the request during his maiden visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr Ganduje said his administration was ready to provide befitting infrastructural facilities to ensure a good working environment for the personnel of the Nigerian Navy (NN) who would be deployed there if established. The Executive Governor also said that part of the reason for his visit was to commiserate with the NN and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over the unfortunate demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other officers and men in a plane crash. According to Dr Ganduje, their demise was not only a loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria but the entire country considering the huge sacrifices they had made in ensuring peace in the country. He therefore prayed for God to reward them abundantly.
The Executive Governor equally congratulated the CNS over his appointment and elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral. He said that though the appointment was at a difficult time of national security, he was confident that the CNS will deliver judging on his track record, disposition and antecedents. He equally expressed the confidence of the people of Kano state in the ability of the CNS to deliver in his new assignment.
While responding, the CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo appreciated the offer for the establishment of a naval formation in Kano State and promised to set up a committee to engage with relevant authorities in the State with a view to determining how best the Service can use the facility been offered by the state. Additionally, Vice Admiral Gambo revealed that in line with the wish of the State to have more naval presence, the Service is planning to hold the Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC) in Kano state in August this year. He therefore appealed to the Governor for support towards ensuring the success of the Conference.
The CNS equally lauded the vision of Dr Ganduje to transform the Falgore forest which is notorious for criminal activities into a military training ground. He added that this has helped in sanitizing the forest from the activities of criminals for the good of the State. Similarly, Vice Admiral Gambo appreciated the Governor for emplacing a viable security structure in the State which has helped to enhance the well-being and prosperity of the good people of Kano State.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Barau Jibril and other senior government officials of Kano State. The visit also witnessed presentation of souvenirs as well as group photographs.
