In a heartfelt gathering commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s 68th anniversary, the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) showcased its commitment to supporting naval families, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked challenges faced by the spouses of service members. The event, highlighted by speeches from NOWA’s Vice President and other dignitaries, centered on the theme of mother and child, addressing the unique difficulties experienced by naval mothers.
Mrs. Zainab Akpan, Vice President of NOWA and wife of Rear Admiral JD Akpan, CP Plans of Navy, emphasized the organization’s role in bolstering the support network for the wives of naval officers. She described these women as “home warriors,” who manage the household and care for children amidst the prolonged absence of their spouses due to military duties.
The event featured an array of activities designed to uplift and educate naval families, focusing on skill development, mental health, and community building. “Our goal is to engage these women in productive activities that not only provide emotional support but also practical skills they can use to supplement their family’s income,” Mrs. Akpan stated.
Abajimi Munaya Ayah, National PRO of NOWA, further highlighted the dual celebration of the Navy’s anniversary and the union of commissioned and noncommissioned officers’ wives. The gathering served as a platform for these women to share advice, discuss challenges, and strengthen their community bonds.
Dr. Omadili Boyo, a medical doctor and guest speaker at the event, addressed health issues pertinent to the age group of many attendees, such as menopause and marital dynamics upon a spouse’s retirement. “It’s crucial for these women to understand the changes that will occur and how to manage them, ensuring the well-being of not just their spouse, but the entire family,” Dr. Boyo explained.
Katrin Ewe Akpan, National Secretary of NOWA, called on the women to nurture their homes and raise their children in a God-fearing manner that positively impacts society. “The strength of our society starts in the home. By empowering these women to become better parents and partners, we are contributing to a stronger, more resilient community,” she concluded.
The event not only celebrated the resilience and dedication of naval families but also reinforced NOWA’s ongoing commitment to providing a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and communal support among the wives of Nigeria’s naval officers.
Category: Maritime Sector
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Naval Officers Wives Association Celebrates Naval Families With Skills, Support Initiatives At Nigerian Navy’s 68th Anniversary
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NCS: COWA Celebrates International Children’s Day In Grand Style
The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), led by its Chairperson, Princess Adeola Folu Ojo, celebrated International Children’s Day on May 27, 2024, with a vibrant event at the Ogun 1 Command premises in Idiroko.
The celebration, supported by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, focused on the theme “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology.”
The event aimed to promote child welfare and raise awareness about the risks associated with online technology. Activities included a children’s party, cultural dances, the cutting of a celebration cake, and educational sessions on child safety and development. Prizes and educational materials were also distributed to students and pupils from the Nigeria Customs Secondary and Nursery/Primary schools in Idiroko.
In her address, Princess Adeola Folu Ojo stressed the importance of collective efforts to protect and empower children. She praised Comptroller James Ojo and the Ogun 1 Command for their unwavering support for children’s welfare.
Comptroller James Ojo urged children to avoid cybercrime, highlighting the dangers of unhealthy online activities. “The trend in the world today is cybercrime,” he stated, “what I meant by cybercrime is those of you who go to the internet to do a lot of things like watching unhealthy movies, copying some crimes, and committing yahoo fraud. All these will not lead you anywhere but to the path of destruction.”
The Principal of Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Mrs. Aneke Ogochukwu, expressed gratitude on behalf of both schools. She described the celebration as unprecedented since the schools’ inception and applauded COWA for their generosity, hoping for more such initiatives in the future.
The Customs Officers Wives Association remains dedicated to the welfare and development of children, continuing to support initiatives that enhance their growth and well-being.
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NIGERIAN NAVY: NOWA Celebrates Children’s Day With Renewed Commitment To Child Welfare
On May 27, 2024, the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) celebrated Children’s Day with an event brimming with enthusiasm and a strong focus on the well-being and development of children.
Representing the National President, Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, the Vice President of NOWA, The Vice Mrs. Zainab Akpan, delivered a heartfelt welcome address that highlighted the significance of the day and the association’s dedication to nurturing the next generation.
Opening her speech, Akpan extended her appreciation to the distinguished guests, esteemed members of the association, teachers, and especially the children whose presence filled the occasion with joy and purpose.
She expressed deep gratitude for the visionary leadership of Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, whose guidance has continuously uplifted NOWA.
Reflecting on the essence of Children’s Day, Akpan quoted John F. Kennedy: “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see,” emphasizing that children represent both the present and the future. She noted that children bring light, laughter, and hope into our lives, reminding everyone of the simple joys that make life beautiful.
Akpan reiterated NOWA’s commitment to the welfare, protection, and empowerment of every child within their community and beyond, recognizing their vulnerability and the need for utmost care and support.
Akpan highlighted that the day’s programme included a variety of engaging and enriching activities designed to ignite imagination, stimulate creativity, and rejuvenate passions among the young attendees.
She urged everyone to remember that the celebration of Children’s Day extends beyond the event itself, serving as a call to action to champion children’s rights and create nurturing environments where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Adding to the day’s discussions, Mrs. Muolagbone Innocent gave a critical presentation on the rising issue of drug abuse among youth. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the population of drug abusers in Nigeria has increased from 5.6% in 2016-2017 to 14.6% today. She stressed the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent losing future generations to substance abuse.
Mrs. Innocent emphasized that while we live in a digital age, virtues such as respect and learning from elders remain paramount. She pointed out that about 3% of those abusing substances come from poor parenting environments, such as broken homes, where children seek quick solutions from outsiders, often leading them to substance abuse.
Concluding her address, Akpan extended a warm welcome to all attendees, wishing them a celebration filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.
She reaffirmed NOWA’s unwavering commitment to the future of children and expressed her hope that the event would inspire continued efforts to support and empower the younger generation.
The Children’s Day celebration organized by NOWA underscored the association’s dedication to fostering a better future for children, ensuring they grow up in a supportive and loving environment.
The event was a testament to NOWA’s mission to champion the rights and voices of children, creating a brighter and more compassionate world for generations to come.
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NN Celebrates 68th Anniversary With Medical Rhapsody
The Nigerian Navy marked its 68th anniversary with a medical rhapsody aimed at fostering a stronger relationship between the military and the civilian populace. Mrs. Olufunke Adesanya, representing the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) President, Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the military and the community.
The event, held at Tego Field, showcased the Navy’s commitment to providing high-quality medical facilities and benefits to the local community. Medical personnel were on hand to conduct comprehensive check-ups and offer vital medical advice to attendees. Services provided included de-worming, eye examinations, blood pressure monitoring, distribution of medicated glasses, mosquito nets, and more.
Speaking on behalf of Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Flag Commanding Officer Western Naval Command, Surgery Capt. Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Akinyinka, stressed the significance of fostering good civil-military relations. He highlighted the Navy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting the communities where they operate.
Capt. Akinyinka emphasized the need for a harmonious relationship between the military and the community, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for the Navy’s effectiveness in carrying out its operations. The medical rhapsody, organized not only at Tego Field but also at other naval commands across the country, underscores the Navy’s commitment to giving back to the society and promoting a cordial relationship with the local populace.
The event also saw the participation of Chinese colleagues who arrived with their ships for maritime exercises scheduled for later in the week. Eye examinations, vital sign checks, and medical health talks were among the services provided to attendees, further highlighting the Navy’s dedication to the well-being of the community.
As the Nigerian Navy commemorates its 68th anniversary, initiatives like the medical rhapsody serve as a testament to its commitment to supporting and engaging with the communities it serves.
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FOU ZONE B: NCS Intercepts Endangered Species, Others Worth Over N3.1 Billion, Arrests 4 Suspects
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, has made significant strides in combating illegal activities involving endangered species and illicit goods. In a media briefing today, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu detailed the Unit’s operations from April 17 to May 17, 2024, highlighting the interception of illegal donkey products and the arrest of four suspects.
The Unit seized consignments of donkey bones and dried donkey meat with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately N3 billion. On April 25, 2024, operatives intercepted a truck carrying 750 sacks of donkey bones along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State. The DPV for these bones was estimated at N2.36 billion. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
On May 5, 2024, two Canter trucks carrying 860 sacks of dried donkey meat were intercepted along Kontagora-Tegina Road in Niger State, leading to the arrest of three suspects. These seizures contravene the NCS Act 2023, particularly concerning the protection of endangered species under international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Additionally, on May 2, 2024, the Unit seized 58,740 sachets of tramadol and 48,000 ampules of Anelgin injection along the Saminaka/Nimbiya/Kafanchan axis of Kaduna State. These illicit drugs were concealed among motor spare parts, with a DPV of N167.5 million.
Other items seized within the period include: 12 vehicles, 174 bags of foreign rice (50 kg each), 234 jerry cans of PMS (25 liters each), 109 bales of second-hand clothing, 367 cartons of spaghetti, 50 cartons of macaroni, 47 jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil, 6 sacks of used shoes, 100 sacks of snuff, 30 bags of foreign sugar (25 kg each), 2,255 cartons of herbicide chemical, 10 cartons of foreign couscous, 235 bags of foreign flour (25 kg each), and Over 100 cartons of general goods. The total DPV of the seized items stands at N3.175 billion.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended the officers and men of the Unit for their unwavering professionalism and commitment to duty. He warned against any attempts to undermine the Unit’s efforts, stating that the NCS is now utilizing advanced intelligence-gathering techniques, including ICT-assisted strategies, to enhance their anti-smuggling operations.
Shuaibu also acknowledged the support from the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command and the Customs Police Unit, which has been instrumental in the Unit’s success. He reiterated the Unit’s resolve to continue implementing federal laws and policies without fear or favor.
The briefing concluded with appreciation for the media’s role in disseminating information about the Unit’s anti-smuggling achievements.
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OPERATION AWATSE: General Musa Urges End To Pipeline Vandalism
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, visited the troops of Operation AWATSE today to commend their efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and criminal activities in the Southwest.
General Musa emphasized the importance of their work and pledged to address the challenges they face to enhance their capabilities.
“We are here today to see the troops of Operation AWATSE, to commend them for their efforts,” General Musa stated. “They have been achieving so much, addressing the issues of pipeline vandalization and all forms of criminality within the Southwest.
We received a detailed briefing from the commander and have looked into the challenges they are facing. We are going to address them and see how we can enhance their capacity and capabilities.”
General Musa praised the troops for their performance but encouraged them to strive for even better results.
He also appealed to those engaged in criminal activities to cease their actions, highlighting the environmental damage and economic harm caused by vandalism.
“Vandalization does nobody any good. You pollute the environment and affect the production of crude oil, which impacts all Nigerians,” he said. “We know the country is going through trying periods now, but we are confident we will get through it.
The President and his team are doing everything possible to ensure that Nigeria recovers economically and physically.”
General Musa assured that the military is committed to apprehending those responsible for criminal activities and ensuring they face justice.
He stressed the need for a thorough legal process to prevent arrested individuals and vessels from re-entering the system.
“We have looked at the legal aspects of arrests and will ensure that once someone is apprehended, they will face the full weight of the law. This will serve as a deterrent to others,” he added. “We appreciate all Nigerians for their support and appeal for even more cooperation.”
During an informal session with other officers, General Musa emphasized the importance of safety measures, urging all personnel to wear life jackets during sea operations and to learn how to swim, as it enhances their service capabilities.
Operation AWATSE continues to play a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and combating criminal activities, with ongoing support and oversight from the nation’s top defense officials.
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NAVTRAC Command Hosts NOWA Delegation To Strengthen Collaboration
The Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) recently welcomed a delegation from the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) NAVTRAC Chapter in a courtesy visit aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening ties between the two entities.
The visit, which took place at NAVTRAC’s headquarters, provided an opportunity for NAVTRAC officials and NOWA representatives to engage in discussions on mutual interests and initiatives.
Rear Admiral Istifanus Mu’azu ALBARA, the Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, extended a warm welcome to the NOWA delegation, emphasizing the critical role of NOWA as a support group for naval officers and their families. He commended NOWA for its longstanding commitment to promoting love, harmony, and social-economic development within the naval community and beyond.
During the visit, Mrs. Joy Albara, the Coordinator of NOWA NAVTRAC COMMAND, highlighted NOWA’s key objectives and initiatives, including its focus on supporting naval families, promoting civil-military relations, and contributing to community development.
She expressed NOWA’s readiness to collaborate with NAVTRAC in various areas, including community outreach programs, cooperative societies, and educational scholarships.
Mrs. Albara announced NOWA’s plans to relocate its Port Harcourt branch under the umbrella of NOWA NAVTRAC COMMAND, following NAVTRAC’s upcoming move to Port Harcourt. This strategic alignment aims to facilitate closer cooperation between NOWA and NAVTRAC in implementing community-based initiatives and outreach activities in the Port Harcourt region.
In response, Rear Admiral ALBARA affirmed NAVTRAC’s commitment to supporting NOWA’s initiatives and fostering a harmonious relationship between the command and its host communities.
He commended NOWA for its dedication to serving naval families and society at large, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals.
The courtesy visit concluded with assurances of continued dialogue and collaboration between NOWA and NAVTRAC, with both parties expressing optimism about the positive impact of their partnership on community development and civil-military relations.
The visit highlights the strong bond between NAVTRAC and NOWA, underscoring their shared commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement.
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Navy Captures Fugitive Vessel MV BLU-SHARK In National Waters
The Nigerian Navy (NN) successfully arrested the vessel MV BLU-SHARK, under the coordination of the Multinational Maritime Co-ordination Center Zone D. The vessel, bearing IMO number 8767783, was apprehended by the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE (NNS OSE) at coordinates Latitude 040 49 929’E, Longitude 008017 602’E near Calabar, following an alert about its escape from Port Gentil, Gabon without proper customs clearance on May 2.
This operation is a part of the ongoing collaboration under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and supporting the nation’s Blue Economy. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, commended the crew of NNS OSE for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to combating transnational maritime crimes.
The NN will conduct initial investigations to determine the legitimacy of the allegations against MV BLU-SHARK and proceed as required by regional maritime laws.
Commodore A Adams-Aliu, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, has requested the dissemination of this information to the public to highlight the effective maritime governance and security measures enforced by the Nigerian Navy.
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IDIROKO BORDER: NCS Intercepts, Hard Drugs, Foreign Rice Other Contrabands Worth Over N380M
The Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed a significant interception, with contraband valued at N380 million confiscated during a recent operation.
Comptroller James Ojo, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, held his maiden press briefing to highlight the Command’s achievements in combating smuggling activities within the state. The event, held at the Command’s conference room in Idiroko, Abeokuta, gathered media representatives to hear about the Command’s accomplishments since Comptroller Ojo assumed office on April 16, 2024.
Comptroller Ojo while emphasizing the Command’s proactive stance against smuggling noted that within just 23 days of his tenure, the Command made significant seizures totaling 103 items, including 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign-used pneumatic tyres, and 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each.
According to the CAC, the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to an impressive N380,370,911.
Compt. Ojo underscored the detrimental effects of some of the seized items on society, particularly cannabis sativa, which poses serious health risks, especially to youths, and has been linked to various criminal activities.
Comptroller Ojo also highlighted the dangers associated with foreign-used pneumatic tyres, emphasizing their unsuitability for Nigerian roads due to age-related wear and tear.
Regarding foreign parboiled rice, he reiterated the Federal Government’s ban on its importation through land borders to promote local production and food security. Comptroller Ojo urged support for this policy, emphasizing its long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy.
In addition to anti-smuggling efforts, the Command generated N14,628,661 in revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products. Comptroller Ojo acknowledged challenges in trading activities across the border but expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would improve revenue generation.
He issued a stern warning to economic saboteurs engaged in smuggling activities, promising strict enforcement of the law against offenders. Comptroller Ojo concluded by reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its mandate and thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support.
The press briefing concluded with an appreciation for the dedication of Customs officers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic growth and social well-being.
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NewcrossEP Appeals for NUPRC Aid Following Suspension Over Bunkering Allegations
…Alleged oil theft vessel MT Prestigious still under Nigerian Navy custody”.
On May 6, 2024, Newcross Exploration & Production Limited formally requested the intervention of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) following a suspension of their operations. The suspension came after the IGP Illegal Bunkering Team’s visit to the MT Prestigious on May 2, which is part of NewcrossEP’s oil barging operations in Bonny.
The IGP team, operating under “Operation Tantita,” had alleged involvement of the MT Prestigious in illegal bunkering activities without providing clear evidence. Written testimonies from the vessel’s captain and representatives from Donna Spectre and NewcrossEP asserted that the vessel’s sole purpose was to transport crude to Bonny Terminal SBM3.
Following these allegations, the Nigerian Navy was instructed to halt operations on MT Prestigious WD and MT Montagu pending further investigation. This directive has had significant repercussions, prompting NewcrossEP to underline the urgency of NUPRC’s involvement to ensure due process and mitigate threats to its operations.
The current suspension of operations risks considerable financial impacts, including the halting of over 100,000 barrels per day in crude production, interruptions in gas deliveries essential for both domestic and export markets, and disruptions in terminal operations. These setbacks threaten the operational continuity of various stakeholders dependent on this crude evacuation route.
Victor Sodje, Managing Director of NewcrossEP, emphasized the company’s readiness to cooperate with legal authorities but stressed the critical need for swift action from NUPRC to prevent substantial national economic losses. The formal communication also included notifications to the National Security Advisor, Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the CEO of NNPC Limited, highlighting the broad spectrum of concerns related to the ongoing investigation.