The Nigerian Navy has pledged to become more adaptable, resilient, and technologically advanced in fulfilling its core mandate of safeguarding the nation's maritime assets. Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas made this commitment during an interdenominational service marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, held at the Navy Protestant Church in Calabar on Sunday.
Represented by Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Abbas commended the Navy's display of professionalism and integrity over the years. He emphasized that moving forward, the Navy will align with modern trends in surveillance and platforms to execute its operations effectively.
"Since our establishment in 1956, the Nigerian Navy has grown from a veteran guard, as they were called in those days, to a fully fledged navy capable of conducting major combat and security operations," Abbas stated. "We are the sentinel of Nigeria's maritime assets and infrastructure, valued at over billions of dollars, and we remain ready and committed to continuing to protect these assets for the economic prosperity of the country."
He further advised officers and ratings not to neglect their families. "Your family welfare should be a priority because of their role in your life. It is for this reason that the Navy makes your welfare a priority."
In his homily, Commander Raphael Adelena, the officiating minister of the Thanksgiving service, urged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to remain united in their pursuit of national peace and security. Delivering a sermon titled "Unity of Purpose," based on Ephesians 17:18-16, Adelena asserted that every individual has a role to play in the pursuit of national peace and security.
While commending the Navy for its professionalism, integrity, and core values over the years, he drew parallels between their story and that of Israel and the Egyptians. He admonished them to always incorporate the spiritual dimension of battle in their fight against insecurity in the country.
"Each and every one of you has a role to play in the pursuit of national peace. No role is too small to be neglected," he said. "We must remain united to celebrate more. Celebration is a clarion call for all to work together in unity of purpose. The question, however, is: are we all playing our role as it ought to be? We have got to remain united in purpose. That is the only way our ship will sail."
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Navy kicked off the week-long activities on Friday with a Jumat prayer.
