Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo, has declared that the Nigerian Navy has steadily evolved into a vital instrument of national security, maritime governance, and national development. He highlighted the Navy’s contributions to protecting the country’s maritime domain, supporting internal security, and promoting regional maritime stability.
Polo Tournament Marks 70th Anniversary
Gambo, who served as the Special Guest of Honour at a polo tournament organized as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations, expressed pride in the remarkable progress the Navy has made over the years. He described polo as a noble sport that demands courage, discipline, precision, endurance, quick judgment, and effective teamwork between rider and horse. According to him, these qualities are equally central to military service and particularly relevant to the Nigerian Navy, whose operational responsibilities require coordination, alertness, resilience, and decisive action under demanding conditions.
“The event reminds us that in sports, as in service, success is measured not only by victory, but also by discipline, teamwork, friendship, and the noble spirit with which every contest is conducted,” Gambo stated. He urged the service to sustain the spirit of partnership, discipline, and excellence that the tournament promoted as the Navy continues with its 70th anniversary activities.
Sports as a Tool for Unity
Gambo noted that events such as the polo tournament help strengthen bonds across institutions and communities, emphasizing that sports remain a powerful instrument for unity, fitness, friendship, and national cohesion. He added that the tournament served as a reminder that the strength of a fighting force is built not only on platforms and operations but also on fitness, discipline, institutional cohesion, and healthy competition. He congratulated all participating teams and players for their passion, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Chief of Naval Staff’s Remarks
In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy stands out not only as a formidable maritime force but also as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s national security architecture. Abbas noted that the nation’s maritime environment remains central to its oil and gas resources, international trade, fisheries, and other strategic economic activities.
“Accordingly, the significant reduction in maritime insecurity within the Gulf of Guinea, as well as the remarkable progress of the Nigerian Navy over the past 70 years, has been built on the discipline, resilience, teamwork, and sound judgment of Navy personnel,” he said. He explained that those qualities are exemplified in the game of polo, where success depends not on individual brilliance alone but on coordination, mutual trust, situational awareness, and the ability to act decisively under pressure.
“It is, therefore, fitting that this tournament forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations, as it reflects many of the values that have enabled the service to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities and contribute significantly to maritime security, national development, and regional stability,” Abbas added.
He recalled the words of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who said sports have the power to change the world. Abbas emphasized that beyond the contest for trophies, sports possess a remarkable capacity to inspire and build bridges across institutions, generations, and communities.
