On Wednesday, the Nigerian Navy decorated 29 senior officers newly promoted to the rank of rear admiral with a charge to do more for the nation.

On December 22, the Navy board approved the promotion of 29 commodores to the rank of rear admiral and 28 captains to the rank of commodore.

Among those decorated is the Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan.

Also decorated with the new rank were Adefemi Kayode, Kabir Mohammed, Gabriel Aligwe, Aliyu Gaya, Shehu Gombe, Godfrey Kwetishe, Robert Obeya, and Musa Katagum.

Others are Kehinde Odubanjo, Pakiribo Anabraba, Suleiman Ibrahim, Olugbenga Oladipo, Haruna Zego, Mohammed Dahiru, Nnamdi Ekwom, Stephen Ibrahim, Mohammed Muye, Aniefiok Uko, Anenechukwu Ezenma, Olufemi Adeleke, Etop Ebe, Sunday Yahaya, Umaru Faruk, Michael Igwe, Ikenna Ubanni, Emmanuel Anakwe, and Omotola Olukoya.

One of the officers, Joseph Ake, was promoted to retirement.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the decoration of the senior officers marked a significant milestone in their careers.

He said it was a testament to their exceptional dedication, leadership and service to Nigeria.

Mr Matawalle charged them to acknowledge the immense responsibility that comes with their promotion, especially concerning ongoing efforts by the federal government to ensure security within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He reminded them that the nation relied on the navy to curtail the dynamic and ever-evolving maritime security threats.

The minister commended the officers for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.

“I will also want to use this medium to assure you of the president and commander-in-chief’s commitment and dedication to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian Navy as encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Mr Matawalle reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to the need for fleet modernisation, capacity building, and strategic planning to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.

He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for providing an environment conducive to excellence and professional growth in the service.

On his part, Mr Ogalla said the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy was essential for the optimal realisation of its objectives, as expected in every performance-oriented organisation.

Mr Ogalla said that despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal would rise to the apex of the profession.

“As I celebrate with each of you, I urge you to justify the confidence the service and the nation have in you,” he said.

One of the newly decorated senior officers, Rear Adm. Adefemi Kayode, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the higher ranks were bestowed on them as a reward for noticeable hard work.

(NAN)