Nigerian Navy @69: Vice Admiral Ogalla Reaffirms Strategic Commitment to Maritime Security as Clergy Calls for Unity

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, regional cooperation, and personnel welfare, as part of celebrations marking the service’s 69th anniversary.

Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted key milestones and unveiled strategic initiatives aimed at repositioning the Navy to meet contemporary security challenges.

“During this anniversary celebration, we will be commissioning three ships and three helicopters, several works and office blocks,” he announced. 

“We are also expecting several other platforms to join the fleet within this year. Let me also assure you that under my watch we will strive to mitigate accommodation challenges in the Nigerian Navy, knowing fully well that shelter is one of the basic needs of man.”

He added that the Navy under his leadership is prioritising capacity building, modern asset acquisition, infrastructural development, and the welfare of both personnel and civilian staff. 

“While this development drive will be sustained towards operational effect, efficiency, and effectiveness of the service, it is imperative that we remain prayerful, steadfast, and focused.”

Ogalla also disclosed the establishment of the Station Operational Command in Makurdi and the Nigerian Navy Marine Unit to support expeditionary and land-based operations, signifying an evolving security strategy to tackle emerging threats.

“We will continue to improve on our operational strategies to curb criminality in the maritime environment and on land. We will also continue on our strategies to assert our duties as a regional sea power for the Gulf of Guinea by ensuring sustained freedom of communication within this region,” he said.

Acknowledging the role of the Federal Government, Ogalla expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a consistent ally of the Navy. “The successes of the Nigerian Navy in terms of acquisition and infrastructural development would not have been possible without the support of Mr. President. I make bold to say that the President takes issues concerning the Nigerian Navy very passionately to the extent that he has never turned down any of our requests.”

Quoting II Chronicles 7:14, he urged the congregation to remain steadfast in prayer: “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, I will forgive their sins and will heal their land. 

“Let us pray for Nigeria, let us also pray for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy in particular, that the Almighty God will continue to heal our land and grant us the grace to carry out our roles for the good of the people.”

The service, held as part of the week-long commemoration, drew naval personnel, their families, and well-wishers into an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and reflection.

Officiated by a team of military clergy, including Very Reverend Father (Capt) Richmond Diala, Reverend Father (CDR) JO Ukpogu, and Rev. Fr. (Lt CDR) MM Vandu, the service was steeped in symbolism and spiritual resonance.

In his homily titled “TOGETHER”, Rev. Fr. (Capt) Richmond Diala called for introspection, gratitude, and a reaffirmation of unity in both national and institutional life.

“This celebration is a call to consciousness,” he said. “It’s not a new message, but a reminder—a reaffirmation of what we already know. On a day like this, I ask: what has sustained the Nigerian Navy? What has sustained Nigeria as a country? And what will sustain us in the future? The answer is togetherness.”

Fr. Diala, reflecting on Nigeria’s turbulent history, acknowledged the country’s survival despite dire predictions of disintegration. “Is that not enough for us to thank God?” he asked. “A good Christian can never be a bad soldier,” he added, stressing the compatibility of spiritual devotion with military duty.

His delivery—sprinkled with humour, heartfelt anecdotes, and stirring emotional appeals—drew laughter, spontaneous applause, and moments of solemn reflection from the congregation. He spoke of his years in ministry and the strength he draws from the resilience of military personnel and citizens alike.

Quoting a popular Nigerian saying, he declared, “If you don’t know who you are, you may never know where you’re going,” encouraging both personal and collective identity rooted in faith and purpose.

The service’s structure featured active participation by senior naval officers and clergy. The First Reading was taken by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), Rear Admiral SU Gombe while the Second Reading was delivered by the FOC Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral MG Oamen. 

The Responsorial Psalm was led by Lt. OR Ukachukwu-Eke, and the Gospel was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. (Lt CDR) MM Vandu.

General intercessions were led by Rev. Fr. (Lt CDR) BM Benson, and final prayers and benediction were offered by Rev. Fr. (CDR) JO Ukpogu.

The event concluded with a tour of newly commissioned projects within Navy Town and a reception held in the newly completed multi-purpose hall, now named in honour of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

As the Nigerian Navy celebrates nearly seven decades of defending the nation’s maritime sovereignty, THISDAY gathered that Sunday’s service offered more than religious observance—it served as a spiritual anchor for the institution’s enduring commitment to unity, service, and national development.