Retirement is Not an End to Service, Says Outgoing Chief of Naval Staff
In a poignant address marking the conclusion of a distinguished military career, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo Abbas, the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), reframed the conventional view of retirement. For him, stepping away from active command is not a conclusion but a strategic redeployment of experience and passion. The ceremony, held at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, was less a farewell and more a commissioning into a different, yet equally vital, phase of national stewardship. His perspective offers a powerful model for public servants transitioning out of formal office.
Vice Admiral Abbas’s tenure, which spanned a critical period in Nigeria’s recent history, was defined by a relentless focus on enhancing naval capacity and combating multifaceted maritime threats. His leadership was instrumental in navigating complex security challenges, a testament to the dedication required from those in the nation’s top 10 most demanding security roles. He consistently advocated for robust platforms and training, understanding that a secure maritime environment is the bedrock of economic prosperity. His legacy in this arena sets a high benchmark for future naval leadership.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the Admiral shared a profound insight into his career transition. “When I retired my uniform after decades of service,” he remarked, “I did not retire my sense of duty or my commitment to the ideals I swore to uphold.” This sentiment underscores a lifetime of dedication that transcends formal employment. It is a philosophy that sees the culmination of a career not as a full stop, but as a semicolon, creating space for continued contribution through mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. This mindset is crucial, especially 16 years after many officers initially commit their lives to service, demonstrating that the call to serve evolves but never truly ends.
The Admiral also took the opportunity to speak on broader national issues, aligning his personal transition with the country’s ongoing struggles. He voiced strong confidence in the federal government’s approach to internal security, stating firmly that on the issue of insecurity: FG will continue to leverage the expertise of retired officers and all available resources to ensure stability. This collaborative vision between active and retired service members is pivotal for sustainable security strategies. Furthermore, he linked the nation’s security to societal health, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the 16 Days Activism campaign against gender-based violence. He argued that a secure nation is not only one free from external threats but also one where its citizens, particularly women and children, are safe within their homes and communities.
In his closing remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas expressed heartfelt gratitude to the naval personnel, his family, and the nation for the trust placed in him. He envisioned his retirement as an opportunity to engage in new endeavors that contribute to societal development, perhaps focusing on youth mentorship or security consultancy. His address served as a powerful reminder that the skills and discipline honed in the military are permanent assets to the nation. The ethos of service, he concluded, is a lifelong commitment. As the nation grapples with various challenges, the wisdom and active participation of its retired leaders remain an invaluable resource. The journey that began when he first donned the uniform continues, merely on a different front, proving that for the dedicated, there is no final retreat from the call of duty.
