Seven personnel of the Nigerian Navy who paid the supreme price during operations were among 31 officers honoured with medal awards at a dinner and awards night marking the end of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Lagos.

The awards were presented in seven categories, including long flying service and gallantry in the face of attacks.

The event, held at Eko Hotels and Suites on Thursday night after the Ceremonial Sunset, was attended by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); representatives of the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police; heads of navies and coast guards; icons of the Nigerian Navy and former service chiefs; members of the diplomatic corps; and heads of international organisations and corporations, among others.

The atmosphere turned sombre when family members and spouses of the fallen personnel were recognised for the sacrifices made by their loved ones in the fight against insurgency.

Earlier, the Chief of Planning and Policy at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde Olodude, said the awards would serve as a beacon for others and a reminder that professionalism and integrity remain the primary currency of the Nigerian Navy.

He noted that the dinner and awards night served as the grand finale of the platinum jubilee anniversary, bringing to a close two weeks of extensive celebrations.

“It is a moment of reflection, gratitude and tribute to 70 years of service of the Nigerian Navy to our country.

“Thus, by conducting this ceremony today, we have formally signalled the end of an era while in the process paying homage to serving and retired personnel, particularly all those who have laid down their lives in sacrifice for this nation. We honour them and honour their families.

“One of the major highlights of tonight’s event is the recognition of excellence. On behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, I wish to congratulate in advance the awardees of the night, the officers and the ratings, who have distinguished themselves through gallantry, innovation and selfless service.

“Your achievements are a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s leadership and the foundation laid by past icons of the Navy, which has steered us into this platinum era”.

“Your awards tonight serve as a beacon for others and a reminder that professionalism and integrity remain the primary currency of the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

In his remarks, the special guest of honour, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), commended the Navy’s selfless commitment, dedication and exemplary performance in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.

According to him, through its courage, professionalism and quiet sacrifices, often far from the spotlight, the Navy has upheld the highest traditions of service and inspired countless others.

“Tonight, as we honour you, we celebrate not just individual achievements but the collective spirit that continues to drive the Nigerian Navy forward.

“For seventy remarkable years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as a steadfast guardian of our maritime frontiers, demonstrating unwavering commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice in service to the nation.

“As the sun dipped below the horizon this evening, we observed the Ceremonial Sunset. The ceremonial sunset, a timeless naval tradition that transcends generations, embodies the philosophy of duty, honour, discipline and the orderly transition from day to night.

“This is a solemn reminder that while individual watches end, the eternal vigilance of the naval service continues unbroken.

“Additionally, the Ceremonial Sunset is a reflection on the fact that while the watch changes, the soul of the Navy rem
ains constant.

“Recognising attributes of excellence through awards is spurred by a philosophy that recognition is a powerful tool for inspiration, motivation and morale boosting.

“It is certain that fostering a culture of excellence and dedication among our personnel is a key benefit of this awards night.”

The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and for ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their operations.
He also appreciated Nigerians for their resilience, stressing that the country would prevail over its security challenges.

“We will not relent. We shall overcome and we will win the war. I want us to remain strong.

“The challenges may look daunting, but collectively, we shall overcome. I am sure because we have the spirit of success as Nigerians, we will never ever give in to terror in whatever form.

“The President is determined, members of the armed forces are working tirelessly, the entire security architecture of Nigeria and indeed Nigerians.”

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas thanked the awardees for their exceptional services to the country.

He noted that the navy has from the humble beginning of a few coastal patrol boats and a mere 250 personnel, became privileged to possess a formidable fleet comprising over 152 naval vessels of different types and classes.

This transformation, he said, is not just a numerical achievement, but symbolises a deeper structural evolution, enhancing our capacity to address a multitude of maritime challenges.

He said: “ Our collaborative efforts with allied naval forces in the sub-region have been instrumental in achieving and maintaining the remarkable milestone, the zero piracy status in the Gulf of Guinea since 2022.

“ The commendable achievement validated by the International Maritime Bureau serves as a cornerstone for the growth of our maritime security framework.

“Delving into the tangible impacts of these advancements, one cannot overlook the substantial economic implications they present.

“The development of Nigeria’s blue economy, which is valued at approximately $3 trillion, has been catalyzed by our relentless pursuit of maritime security.

“By fostering a stable environment, we have significantly lowered the world’s insurance premiums for incoming cargoes, creating a more inviting atmosphere for international trade.

The resurgence in maritime revenue is a testament to this progress, escalating from around $700 billion in 2023 to an impressive $1.8 trillion by 2025.”