President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.), on the occasion of his 60th birthday, commending his contributions to Nigeria’s armed forces and national security.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined family, friends and associates in celebrating the retired naval officer, describing his career as one marked by discipline, professionalism and exemplary service.
Gambo, who served as the 21st indigenous Chief of Naval Staff between 2021 and 2023, was praised for his leadership during a critical period in Nigeria’s maritime security operations.
Tinubu highlighted the progress made by the Nigerian Navy under Gambo’s stewardship, particularly noting Nigeria’s removal from the piracy-prone nations list of the International Maritime Bureau in 2022.
The development, according to the President, marked a significant milestone that enhanced Nigeria’s global maritime reputation.
The President described Gambo as a patriotic and courageous officer whose commitment to duty distinguished him throughout his career.
He noted that the retired naval chief’s service remains a worthy example for others in the armed forces and beyond.
During his over three decades in the military, Gambo, an Underwater Warfare Specialist, held several strategic roles across key naval formations and institutions.
He served aboard vessels such as NNS Ambe, NNS Damisa and NNS Ayam, and also represented Nigeria internationally as Defence Attaché in Luanda, Angola.
Gambo also held positions as Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff; Deputy Director and Acting Director, Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser; Director, Research and Rescue at the Defence Headquarters; and Director, Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the retired naval chief good health, strength and many more years of fulfilment in continued service to national development.