Naval chief rallies support for civil-military cooperation

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for continued support for the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative, as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ogalla made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project in Agbor, Delta State.

The project involved the renovation of Igue Primary School, Ime-Obi, including the perimeter fencing, provision of a borehole, and construction of a security gatehouse, among other improvements.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Oluwole Fadeyi, Ogalla highlighted the importance of CIMIC, describing it as “a key principle consistently emphasised by the CNS in strengthening military-community relations.”

According to the CNS, the renovation of the primary school, originally built in 1945, had become imperative to provide a more conducive learning environment.

He explained that the CNS-QIP was launched to implement projects that enhance the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation across the country, adding that “this particular project was facilitated by Rear Admiral E.O. Nmoyem as a way of giving back to his roots and improving the lives of people in the community.”

Ogalla further stated, “CIMIC includes activities and interactions between the military and civil society geared towards accomplishing military missions and strategic objectives.

These projects serve not only to honour distinguished senior officers of the Nigerian Navy but also demonstrate the Navy’s broader commitment to serving Nigerians beyond its core mandate of securing lives and property in the maritime environment.

“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, undertaken by an illustrious son of Agbor, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogboi Nmoyem, is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts.”

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Nmoyem expressed profound gratitude to the CNS “for the invaluable opportunity to execute such a meaningful project in Agbor, Delta State.”

He described the initiative as “a testament to the CNS’s visionary leadership and commitment to community development, with the Igue community being a major beneficiary.”

Nmoyem expressed hope that “the project would significantly improve the standard of learning for pupils of the school.”

Also speaking at the event, which drew a large crowd of military personnel, security officials, and community stakeholders, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I; the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Jerry Ehiwariyo; and the Head Teacher of Igue Primary School all expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for extending its developmental impact to the Agbor community.