By Okosun Dennis
The wealth of the nation has been attributed to be lying within the maritime domain, which must be well protected from the vagaries of criminal elements.
As such, the Nigerian Navy must intensify efforts and take their duties seriously to protect the maritime space.
This charge was handed down to the officers and rating of the force on Sunday by the Senate Committee Chairman on the Nigerian Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, explaining that their duties are critical to safeguarding the wealth of the nation which lies within the maritime domain.
These were contained in his Goodwill message at a Dinner and Awards presentation to deserving officers and ratings of the Nigerian navy shortly after the Ceremonial Sunset marking the end of 69th anniversary of the force at the Admiralty Conference Hall, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He commended the NN for its achievements within the last 69 years which intertwined with his birthday. “The totality of what I have seen of the navy in the last few years, makes me proud – a highly physical and disciplined organisation.
“No Navy, no Nigerian. Your work is envied. We would continue to protect the interest of the NN,” Otunba Daniel reiterated.
On his part, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle described the NN as our indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity, calling on them to do more to protect our territorial waters.
While acknowledging that Navy’s efforts have led to a substantial reduction in oil theft, maritime crimes and other illegalities across Nigeria’s waters, added that the NN is not merely as a defender but as an indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than an anniversary. We honour a legacy, a legacy marked by the Nigerian Navy’s relentless efforts against piracy, oil theft, and maritime crime. A crusade that has restored hope to our coastal community and the stability to our vital waterways.
“In your unrelenting resolve, while challenges of resource gap persist, let it be known that you do not stand alone. The federal government affirms its commitment to equip you with the tools, technology, and training required to meet this moment,” Dr Matawalle reassured.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, emphasized the importance of the Ceremonial Sunset in the Nigerian Navy and said that it serves as a moment for reflection on achievements, fostering comradeship, and acknowledging the hard work of personnel.
“We have upscaled our fleet re-capitalization, infrastructural development and improved personnel welfare in line with the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021 to 2030.
“We have had sustained operations to fight piracy, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes. In our operations, we have had significant achievements especially the “Operation Delta Safe” leading to several arrest and confiscations. Our efforts have led to the daily crude oil production of 1.7m barrel per day,” the CNS explained.
For their dexterity and years in service, nine Navy Warrant Officers were presented with a Toyota Hilux van by the CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. He enjoined them to make effective use of the vehicles.
In addition, there were other meritorious awards to officers and a posthumous award received by the wife of a rating, whose husband lost his life during an operation.
To conclude the dinner night, 70th anniversary logo was unveiled.
Present at the Donner/awards ceremony were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar while the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede was represented by the 81 Division General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj Gen Farouk Mijinyawa, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Mr Tola Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and stood in for him.
Others included the House Committee Chairman on the Nigerian, Yusuf Adamu, a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, now Sole Administrator, Rivers State, and the former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, senior military officers and sister services and members of the diplomatic corp.
About The Author
