A total of 1,486 trainees on Saturday, 27th April 2024 successfully conducted the Passing Out Parade (POP) after six months of rigorous, strenuous training from the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne in Rivers State.
The graduated trainees comprised 1,240 males and 246 females. Their training curriculum included seamanship, boat handling, small arms, rifle drills, endurance training, and unarmed combat.
This was disclosed by the Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu on Sunday in Abuja in a statement.
According to him, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Batch 35 trainees of Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne.
The Reviewing Officer was received on arrival by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
The DINFO further stated that the POP was a colorful ceremony signaling the commencement of a naval career for these young male and female Nigerians who have sworn an oath of allegiance to their nation.
During the passing out parade, the trainees treated the audience to colourful March past in “slow and quick time,” there was a silent drill display by the trainees. These were followed by an award presentation by the Reviewing Officer and the presentation of souvenirs to the dignitaries.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the representatives of the Executive Governors of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States and Chairman House Committee on Defence and representatives of the Service Chiefs. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, and Principal Staff Officers from Defence Headquarters and Naval Headquarters.