CNS Quotes

In a series of privileged breakfast conversations with Commodore Olutunde Oladimeji (Rtd), Publisher of Maritime & Navy International at Navy House, Lagos, Vice Admiral Adekeye bared his mind on many naval issues and progress during his watch as Chief of the Naval Staff:

Ambition to reach the top
"I didn't aspire to become the Chief of the Naval Staff, although I had correct attitude and background.  I was determined to make a difference if I had the opportunity."

Training under demanding naval leaders
"Many officers are not daring.  I've been privileged to serve under several bold, tough and pushy naval leaders.  When I look back today, I love them for what they did to me."

Change-making and nick-names
"Because I would not compromise on integrity they called me 'iron bender.'  I didn't belong to any of the perceived camps, nor was I a crony of any senior officer.  One thing I do know is that I won't compromise on any good idea."

Sources of ideas and inspiration
I read very widely and consult people.  For example I read 14 versions of World War 2 accounts.  I read the book of an Indian Brigadier General who advocated illogical thinking for effect in military command.  His argument is that logic is usual and may not always be effective.  His argument can be likened to those who advocate "thinking out of the box."

Making good use of what you have
"I am not a man to cry about my lot - I do something about it.  I will rather make the most of what I have.  As Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command I was prepared to follow procedures, implement programmes, carry out exercises and sea inspections.  I also re-directed energy towards divisional duties, inspection of books and parades.  Even with two ships, I was prepared to carry out sea inspection and carry out exercises."

Role modelling and performance
"I don't want anyone to make me a role model.  I may disappoint you.  I'm human.  Every officer should use the manuals.  Set targets and strive to achieve it.  Follow prepared programmes and stick to forecast of events tenaciously - exercises, inspections, sports.  Those programmes are drawn up for action not for decorating office walls."

Revolutionist or Reformist?
"I'm not a revolutionist.  All I've done since becoming the Chief of the Naval Staff is to take the Navy back to basics.  Basic things that the Navy was noted for had been neglected.  I said to myself, we must go back to the basics.  That was why I made up my mind about the six key things I would focus on as CNS and I have been doing just those.  Namely:

a.  Emphasis on operations and “back to sea” programme for all naval ships;
b.  Enhancement of Joint Operations with other Services;
c.  Improvement of naval operations and cooperation in the sub-region;
d.  Improvement and intensification of all aspects of naval training;
e.  Reorganization of maintenance and logistics;
f.  Upgrading of welfare programme and services for officers and men;

Man management style
"My approach to man management is to focus on their strength rather than their weaknesses.  I learnt this from my several tours in training establishments - Basic Seamanship School, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.  I've served in all of them.  By the time I became CNS I inherited a mixed bag of people.  Many of them I have met in training establishments or on board the ships I commanded.  There is, for example an officer who doesn't get along well with his mates.  One thing I know about him, however, is that he is very hard-working.  I know another officer I tried to bring up, to encourage, but unfortunately he had problem of integrity. "

Time Management and Action
"I'm not used to slow movement.  Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well and worth doing on time.  I am not the type of leader who drags and delays."

Impacting values on subordinates
"There is always resistance to change.  My approach is to find ways to screw ideas down into the consciousness of people."

Supremacy of the Navy
"Our people have continental (land mentality).  But we need a strong navy to protect our economic assets.  That is why am always aggressive to push for the visibility of the Navy so it has its dues in the scheme of things.  I have done that at every available opportunity in my career - as defence adviser in Camerouns, at NDA so that the Navy obtains fair share of appointments and other dues "

Proposals for Fleet Renewal
"The operational life of most of our ships is gone.  Our proposals for fleet renewal is ambitious but achievable. They cover the broad spectrum of naval capabilities from frigates, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC), "Defender Class" boats to combat crime and trainer helicopters.

Secret of success
"The secret of success in leadership is to focus on the right things.  Many officers, unfortunately, focus on wrong things."