The Nigerian Navy on Sunday, 1st June 2025, concluded week-long activities commemorating its 69th anniversary with a colourful Ceremonial Sunset and Dinner at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Ceremonial Sunset, an age-long naval tradition, saw dignitaries taking the salute as the sun symbolically set marking the end of the day and the celebration.
Leading the dignitaries who took the salute was the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle. Others included the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on the Navy Senator Gbenga Daniel and Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi respectively as well as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd), and a representative of the Lagos State Governor.
The event also drew the presence of top military and police leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Prominent retired naval icons also graced the occasion, such as Vice Admiral A.A. Aduwo (rtd), Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), Vice Admiral V.K. Ombu (rtd), Vice Admiral S.O. Afolayan (rtd), Admiral O.S. Ibrahim (rtd), and Vice Admiral U.O. Jibrin (rtd).
In recognition of long-standing service and excellence, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, presented nine brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to nine Navy Warrant Officers as a reward for their meritorious service.
Additionally, deserving officers and ratings were honoured with awards such as the Command at Sea Badge, CNS Commendation Awards, and Gallantry Awards.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the logos of the newly established Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command and Nigerian Navy Marines by the Special Guest of Honour. These new commands are designed to bolster the Navy’s contributions to land combat operations alongside sister services in the interest of national security.
Commending the Navy’s efforts, Dr. Matawalle praised the service for maintaining high readiness despite complex maritime challenges. He also lauded the CNS for his visionary leadership and ongoing reforms, while assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to supporting the Navy in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
