Maj.-Gen. Akiniyi Oyelade, Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Oshodi has encouraged parents, military and civilians alike, to provide adequate care and training for their children as future leaders.
Oyelade said this as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 Nigerian Navy Ratings End of The Year Party which held at Navy Town, Lagos State.
The general said that he was very passionate about bringing up a child to be mentally and physically healthy so that they can effectively contribute their own quota as future leaders.
He said that as the soldiers were been appreciated for their commitment to service, they were also encouraged to cater adequately for their families and prepare for their future by looking after their children.
“Our prayer is that our children are better than us therefore, it is our duty as parents to invest in them notwithstanding what it will cost us,” Oyelade said.
The general said that 2024 had been a very rigorous year operationally, administratively and in every sphere which deemed it fit to give thanks to God and equally appreciate one another.
“However, most importantly, we are here to celebrate ourselves for having contributed in diverse ways to the attainment of what our service is taxed with.
“So, this is an opportunity to thank each and every one of us here, especially the ratings cutting across from the junior to the senior rates.
“Without you, not much will have been done because you play an important and critical role in ensuring that our jobs and our duties are undertaken successfully,” he said.
According to Oyelade, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm.
Emmanuel Ogalla and every senior ranking officer of the Nigerian Navy appreciated their efforts.
“Most especially the efforts of your families who we equally thank for the support that they have been giving to enable you discharge your duties creditably well.
“We also thank you for the many successes that we have recorded during this year and we encourage you to continually put in your very best,” the general said. He thanked the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Adm. Musa Katagum and that for Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba Inna for the opportunity given to him to felicitate with them.