By Augustine Ehikioya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria’s 21st Indigenous Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo on his 60th birthday, commending his outstanding contributions to the armed forces and the country as a whole.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, the President joined family, friends and associates in celebrating a “distinguished naval officer whose career in the Nigerian Navy was marked by discipline, professionalism, and exemplary service.”
Vice Admiral Gambo was the Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2021 to 2023.
The statement added “during his military career, which spanned over three decades, the Underwater Warfare Specialist served in many capacities, including aboard NNS Ambe, NNS Damisa, NNS Ayam, and as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in Luanda, Angola.”
Gambo also served as Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff; Deputy Director and Acting Director, Defence Affairs, Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA); Director, Research and Rescue, Defence Headquarters; and Director, Procurement, Defence Space Administration, among others.
President Tinubu particularly highlighted and lauded Vice Admiral Gambo’s leadership of the Navy during a critical period in Nigeria’s maritime security.
Under Gambo’s stewardship, Nigeria recorded significant gains in securing its maritime domain, including the country’s exit from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone countries in 2022.
“This achievement remains a key milestone in the nation’s security history.”
The President noted with appreciation Gambo’s unwavering patriotism, courage, and commitment to duty, describing him as a worthy example of service to the nation.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health, strength, and more years of fulfilment and meaningful contributions to national development.
