The Nigerian Navy has paid glowing tribute to its immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, with a colourful pull-out parade held at the NNS Quorra Parade Ground, Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking at the emotionally charged ceremony, Ogalla expressed deep gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve, reflecting on key milestones achieved by the Navy during his tenure, including improved operational effectiveness, enhanced training programmes, and better welfare for officers and ratings.
In a solemn moment, the former Naval Chief honoured fallen colleagues who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation, describing their courage and sacrifice as the enduring strength behind the Navy’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Ogalla also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the confidence, support, and leadership extended to the Navy throughout his time in office.
He praised officers, ratings, and civilian personnel for their professionalism and resilience, calling them the true backbone of the service, and expressed optimism about the Navy’s future under his successor, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whom he described as a leader of integrity and vision.
The ceremony stood as a powerful symbol of pride, unity, and the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty on land and at sea.
Reporting by Mary Fatile