Category: Nigerian Navy

In a strategic move towards enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy, NNS QUORRA initiated specialized training courses with the inauguration of the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course for 120 officers and the Officer’s Long Course for 43 officers.

These comprehensive programs will concentrate on honing skills in specialized areas, including above-water and communication, information technology, navigation direction, and underwater warfare, signaling a commitment to equipping Naval officers with advanced expertise for the evolving maritime landscape.

Commodore Adamu Yahaya, the Commandant of NNS QUORRA, presided over the inauguration ceremony for the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course and the Officer’s Long Course for 2024. The event marked the beginning of a 12-month training program aimed at molding officers into proficient professionals within their specialized fields.

Commodore Yahaya expressed confidence that the training would equip officers to meet the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff in safeguarding the Nigerian Maritime domain, fostering free trade for sea ferries. Notably, the curriculum has been enriched with swimming and sailing training to instill confidence in the Naval officers, emphasizing their proficiency in both skills.

“As a Naval Officer, you are expected to build confidence in yourself; without swimming, your confidence will not be bold to say you are a Naval Officer,” remarked Commodore Yahaya. He highlighted the importance of these skills in shaping officers who can proudly identify as competent naval professionals.

Also speaking, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), emphasized the foundational nature of the course for professional development in the Nigerian Navy.

The NNS QUORRA, where the ceremony took place, holds a pivotal role in sea and land training, molding officers into skilled seamen and experts in armament technology.

Rear Admiral Nwatu stressed the significance of developing competencies aligned with technological advancements, recognizing the Navy’s evolving curriculum over the last decade.

He encouraged the officers to leverage technological advancements, emphasizing that the Navy is a professional-based service where skills and competencies are crucial.

“We are encouraging them, fortunately, we have a group of young talented officers both men and women who are skilled in this area. Without a doubt, they will meet our expectations,” affirmed Admiral Nwatu.

He expressed confidence that the returning officers would bring enhanced professionalism and capacity to the Navy.

The inauguration ceremony sets the stage for a transformative training period, positioning the officers to navigate the evolving landscape of maritime technology and warfare.

The emphasis on skills, competencies, and technological advancements underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to staying at the forefront of maritime excellence. The expectation is that the officers, upon completion, will contribute significantly to the Navy’s objectives and the nation’s maritime security.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has further fortified its maritime security capabilities with the recent acquisition of two additional Ballistic Enforcement Vessels, elevating the agency’s total count to seven.

Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of NIMASA, shared the exciting news through his official handle, heralding the arrival of these vessels as a significant enhancement to Nigeria’s maritime safety administration.

“I am delighted to announce that we have taken delivery of two more Ballistic Enforcement Vessels, bringing the total number available to NIMASA to seven,” expressed Dr. Jamoh in a brief message. He further elaborated, “These Aresa 8-passenger Ballistic Vessels boast a cruising speed of 25 Knots and a tank capacity of 1,800.”

Dr. Jamoh emphasized the pivotal role these vessels play in augmenting NIMASA’s capacity to fulfill its mandates effectively. He highlighted that the increased fleet strength significantly bolsters the agency’s efforts toward fostering improved maritime safety administration across Nigerian waters.

The acquisition of these vessels underscores NIMASA’s commitment to bolstering maritime security infrastructure, aligning with the agency’s overarching goal of fortifying safety measures and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.

In a bid to express gratitude to the Kirikiri community for their enduring peaceful coexistence, Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, orchestrated a free medical rhapsody and community service in the Kirikiri area of Lagos on January 6, 2023.

This community-focused initiative forms part of the Nigerian Navy Ship WEY’s corporate social responsibility aimed at strengthening the amiable civil-military relationship with the host community.

Admiral Mohammed Yabuku Dahiru highlighted that the endeavor aimed to appreciate the community for fostering decades-long peaceful coexistence.

He extended heartfelt appreciation to the host community, paramilitary, and security agencies in the area for their cooperation and accommodation of Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel.

Admiral Dahiru specifically thanked the leadership of the Correctional Service for facilitating NN personnel access through the Correctional Service road to Navy Town from Kirikiri.

He emphasized the NN’s commitment to nurturing relations with the host community and paramilitary institutions while ensuring the preservation of harmonious relations with neighbors.

Furthermore, Admiral Dahiru urged community leaders to continue advocating for lawfulness and tolerance toward NN personnel, crucial for sustaining the cordial relations between Kirikiri residents and the NN.

He underlined that the medical rhapsody aligned with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strategic directives 2003-6.

The event encompassed various medical services, including public health talks, vital signs checks, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, distribution of treated mosquito nets, eye and dental examinations, as well as drainage clearing and general clean-up to mitigate climate change effects and enhance cleanliness in the area.

The turnout was exceptional, with residents participating enthusiastically in the exercise. Chief Babalola Babatunde, the Baale of Kirikiri Town, conveyed gratitude to the NN and Commander NNS WEY for selecting Kirikiri for the medical rhapsody and community service.

He pledged to uphold the harmonious relationship between Kirikiri residents and the NN, stating that the exercise would further reinforce the existing cordial ties.

Notable dignitaries present included Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, Captain Buzugbe (representative of the Commander Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital), Chief Babalola Babatunde Shabe (Balogun of Kirikiri), Chief Tajudeen Yusuf, Chief Mrs. Sherifat Adewale, Alhaja Maryam Yekini, DCC SO Balogun, Mrs. Damisa (Health Officer Women Custodial Centre Kirikiri), and the DPO Kirikiri Police Station.

Sub-Lieutenant FU Okoh, the Base Information Officer at Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, released this report, highlighting the success and positive impact of the medical rhapsody and community service on the Kirikiri community.

On his part, Chief Babalola Babatunde Shabi, the Baale of Kirikiri Town community and Apapa, expressed profound gratitude for the cooperative relationship established with the Nigerian Navy.

He emphasized the Navy’s swift responses and exceptional security operations, resulting in a thug-free atmosphere on land and water. This collaboration between the Navy and Police has contributed significantly to Kirikiri Town and Apapa’s excellent security scorecard.

Highlighting the significance of preventive measures in maintaining security, the Baale Chief acknowledged the Nigerian Navy’s consistent support in ensuring the community’s safety in day-to-day activities.

Chief Babalola Babatunde Shabi wholeheartedly embraced the medical rhapsody initiative brought by the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing that the community’s health holds more value than material wealth. He lauded the experts for their medical advice and encouraged the Navy to continue organizing such initiatives regularly, suggesting a frequency of at least every four months.

Extending his appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State, the Local Government Chairman, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Navy, the Baale Chief acknowledged their collective efforts in prioritizing the welfare of the community.

He specifically praised the Navy’s medical initiative for saving lives and ensuring the utmost security presence and protection in Kirikiri Community and Apapa.

In a monumental step towards bolstering maritime safety and bolstering public confidence in sea travel, a pioneering joint search and rescue simulation exercise was conducted today at the waterfront on 14 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos. This historic collaboration involved the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and key maritime stakeholders.

Led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the exercise exemplified an unparalleled level of coordination aimed at curbing maritime accidents, especially during the festive season. The event drew luminaries from the maritime sector, with the Special Guest of Honor, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Honourable Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressing the significance of seamless cooperation among organizations and communities.

This simulation showcased the joint capabilities of various agencies such as LASAMBUS, LASEMA, Marine Police, and Lagos State Fire Service. Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Flag Officer, Commanding Western Naval Command, highlighted the overarching goal of promoting water-friendly alternatives to alleviate road traffic.

The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, expressed utmost satisfaction with the success of the exercise, outlining plans for deployment in key areas across Lagos’ inland waters. These deployments aim to expedite responses to accidents and enhance economic activities in the region.

In a gesture of gratitude, Commodore Oguntuga acknowledged the contributions of key personalities, including Mr. Oluwadamila Emmanuel, GM LASWA, and Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa, Head of Operations LASWA, in ensuring the success of the event. This display of collaboration underscores a shared commitment to readiness, response, and recovery in confronting maritime challenges.

The success of this joint endeavor reflects the unwavering commitment of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain, essential for sustained economic prosperity.

Pastor Olorunwa Daniel Nwata, the Visionary and Lead Responsibility Coordinator of Rural Areas For Christ Outreach (RACO), reflected on the transformative journey they’ve undertaken, primarily through the divine grace that has guided their efforts. This institution, founded nearly two decades ago, has seen remarkable growth, nurturing children who arrived at ages as tender as 2 or 3, now flourishing in various stages of their education and professional journeys.

“With God’s grace,” Nwata emphasized, “we’ve witnessed incredible progress. Some children who walked through our doors in their early years are now excelling in universities and diverse careers. Their growth is a testament to our purpose, driving us to do more.”

The organization’s milestone of two decades in existence signifies a profound commitment to fostering positive change. Despite the challenges faced, including financial constraints and ongoing needs for medical facilities and educational resources, the organization continues to thrive, largely supported by individuals, friends, relatives, and sporadic contributions from organizations.

Oluwabukola Bankole, the Zonal Director for Lagos Island under Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), shed light on the organization’s core ethos—touching lives positively, particularly within the Navy family and the broader community.

Speaking, she said “The association’s mission transcends mere material donations; they seek to invest in education, acknowledging the transformative power of education in shaping a nation’s future.

Mrs Bankole highlighted the enduring support from NOWA members, often wives of naval officers, contributing relentlessly to the cause. Under the guidance of the present National President, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogala, the organization continues its legacy of supporting the orphanage, an initiative initiated by former leaders like Mrs. Ezeoba, Mrs. Abass, and Mrs. Gambo.

“We’re not just dropping off food items,” Bankole emphasized, “we’re investing in the education of these children. Sponsoring students through secondary school isn’t just about their growth; it’s about nurturing future leaders for our nation.”

In this challenging period, NOWA recognizes the significance of not just providing immediate sustenance but also ensuring the continuation of education for these deserving children.

The institution’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to uplifting lives underscore the profound impact they’ve had and continue to foster, symbolizing hope and opportunity for generations to come.