Sanwo-Olu Describes RANAO As Vanguard Association For National Development

 

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday described the Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers (RANAO) Association of Nigeria as a vanguard association for structuring the contributions of retired officers to national development.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the 34th Annual General Meeting of RANAO Association of Nigeria with the theme: Managing Life in Retirement — The Good Health Considerations. 

He was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Folashade Jaji.

The governor commended the retired officers for joining the military out of their own volition, at a young age, to give selfless service to Nigeria for peace, unity, stability and comfort for her citizenry.

"I commend your caurage and I, on behalf of the good people of Lagos State and indeed the entire country, convey our gratitude to you.

"I commend you for the initiative through which you have continued to be of good and beneficial service not only to yourselves but also to your fatherland. 

"Happiness, love and health in retirement are indeed God's gifts which can be managed through lots of smiles and laughter while deleting the stress and sorrows of life," he said. 

Sanwo-Olu, said that he was certain that the security challenges being experienced across the country and emerging threat to national unity was a cause of concern to the retired military officers.

"Therefore, the current situation calls for all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution that will bring about enduring atmosphere of peace and security across the nation.

"As retired officers, your wealth of knowledge and experience will be required in this regard to assist the government and various security agencies overcome the challenges of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and insurgency. 

Also speaking, RANAO's National President, retired Maj. Alexander Mshelbwala said that the association helped them synergy's with those still in service to offer advice on issues that were within their competence.

"I, also advice those who are still in service to remain consistent with efficiency and discharge their responsibility up to the last moment.

"They should also ensure to provide mentorship to those coming after them so as to ensure continuity and professional enhancement," he said.

Mshelbwala urged the citizenry to always accord due respect to military men because of their sacrifices to ensure peace and unity for whom, some had paid the ultimate price for.

"We need to recognise the fact that military service is exceptionally self sacrificing and that due respect ought to be given to those who have volunteered to offer such services to the nation.

"It doesn't appear that as a nation,we pay due respect to the profession of people who have volunteered on behalf of others to fight and ensure survival of the person's at home," he said.

Source: NAN