NIGERIAN NAVY AT 69 CLOSES WITH CEREMONIAL SUNSET AND DINNER
The week long events marking the 69th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy ended on high note yesterday, Sunday 1 June 2025 with a Ceremonial Sunset and Dinner at the Naval Dockyard Limited Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Ceremonial Sunset is an age-long tradition of the Navy where dignitaries take the salute as the sun sets, symbolically marking the end of the day or event.
In this case, the dignitaries that took the salute were led by the Special Guest of Honour, the Honorable (SGOH), the Minister of State for Defence, (HMOSD) His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON. Also present to take the salute were the Chairmen Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Navy; Honourable Senator Gbenga Daniel and Honorable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi. Furthermore, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd) and the representative of the Lagos State Governor were present. The high profile event was also graced by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and many icons of the Navy including:
Vice Admiral AA Aduwo (rtd)
Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd)
Vice Admiral VK Ombu (rtd)
Vice Admiral SO Afolayan (rtd)
Admiral OS Ibrahim (rtd)
Vice Admiral UO Jibrin (rtd).
It was an evening of giving honour to the deserving.
First, the Chief Host, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla presented 9 brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles to 9 Navy Warrant Officers as a token of reward for their many years of meritorious service.
Later, many officers and ratings who had distinguished themselves in the Nigerian Navy received awards including; Command at Sea Badges, CNS Commendation Awards and Gallantry Awards.
Just before the Sunset, the SGOH unveiled the logos of the newly established Special Operations Command and Nigerian Navy Marines. The Command and the Marines were established to increase NN contribution to land combat in support of sister services and fulfilment of National Interest.
The SGOH, lauded the NN for maintaining a high state of readiness amid the complex dynamics of maritime challenges. He also commended the CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for his visionary leadership and institutional reforms. His Excellency concluded by reassuring the NN that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains steadfast in his support for the Navy in fulfilment of constitutional responsibilities.
Source : Nigerian Navy
