Ogalla Reviews Stewardship, Operational Gains as Navy Pulls Him Out as Navy Chief

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on Thursday reviewed his tenure and the Nigerian Navy’s recent achievements as he was formally pulled out of service at a ceremony held at NNS Quorra Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos.

Ogalla said his stewardship was guided by a vision that emphasised operational effectiveness, strategic innovation, enhanced training, robust partnerships and improved welfare for personnel.

“While in office, I outlined a vision that emphasised operational effectiveness, strategic innovation, enhanced training, robust partnerships, and improved welfare for our personnel,” he said.

He noted that the Navy recorded major gains in tackling maritime crime. “We intensified the fight against crude oil theft, piracy, and other forms of maritime illegality, leading to greater security in our maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea as a whole,” he said.

He added that the service also focused on strengthening military readiness: “Having a Navy that is ready to defend us from national aggression, we took delivery of new platforms and advanced our local shipbuilding capacities, enhancing our fleet’s capability and sustainability.”

Ogalla emphasised that the Navy’s progress was made possible by the commitment of its personnel. “You are the ones who stand watch on the bridge at night. You are the ones who maintain our vessels with close checks. You are the ones who execute complex operations in challenging conditions. You sailed the ships. You flew the aircraft. You defended our maritime domain. You made our Navy proud,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Ogalla said the pull-out marked the end of a defining chapter that began when he joined the service as a cadet. “This ceremony marks the conclusion of a defining chapter of my life, a journey that began as a young cadet with a dream to serve our nation,” he said. “As every sailor knows, no matter how long the voyage, there must come a time to return to shore.”

He paid tribute to fallen personnel, describing their sacrifices as immortal. “It is on this note that we remember with solemn respect our colleagues who paid the supreme sacrifice in this noble profession of arms. Their courage and dedication remain etched in history. May God grant their souls eternal rest and comfort their families,” he said.

Ogalla described the Nigerian Navy as a competent and resilient force that continues to safeguard national security and territorial integrity. “Our nation is indeed blessed with a Navy that continues to demonstrate exceptional competence, courage, and commitment in protecting our maritime interests and safeguarding our national security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty,” he said.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for trusting him with the leadership of the service. “I therefore remain grateful to the Commander-in-Chief… for the immense confidence and trust which he reposed in me to lead the Nigerian Navy. It has been the highest honour of my life,” he said.

Ogalla also expressed appreciation to senior naval icons and colleagues, including members of the 39th and 40th Regular Courses. He congratulated his successor, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, describing him as a man of integrity and a professional officer. “You are a very dedicated and professional officer. I have no doubt that you will lead the Nigerian Navy to even greater heights,” he said, pledging his full support for the new leadership.

“As I pull out today, I do not say goodbye to the Navy,” Ogalla said in conclusion. “Rather, I say that the sea has left an indelible mark on my person, and the bonds forged in service are unbreakable. I will remain a steadfast advocate and a well-wisher of the Nigerian Navy.”

The ceremony was attended by top military officers, diplomats and representatives of key institutions, underscoring the Navy’s unity and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.