Chief Of Naval Staff Donates Bungalow To Family Of A Slain Personnel

Chief Of Naval Staff Donates Bungalow To Family Of A Slain Personnel

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has recently built and donated a bungalow to the family of a Slain Personnel on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. It would be recalled that on 3 September 2024, Able Seaman Fire Controller 3 John-Jaja lost his life while in line of duty. The unfortunate incident occurred during a clearance operation at Amiyi Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The rating was manning a 12.7 mm gun on one of the gun trucks when the team was ambushed. He exhibited courage and bravery while trying to protect his colleagues. Accordingly, in acknowledging his self-sacrifice, the CNS graciously donated a fully completed 2-bedroom flat at Navy Estate, Karshi, Abuja, as a way to assist the family with a place of abode.

The CNS was represented at the event by Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, the Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters. The representative of the CNS stated that such an initiative would be sustained. This gesture underscores the importance of personnel welfare, especially the provision of accommodation by the CNS. The gesture has brought enormous succour to the slain family. Adding that those who put so much into the service to the nation, pay the ultimate price to safeguard the lives of the citizens and territory of the country, will not be forgotten. According to him, “Their bravery and dedication in the face of battle are the bedrock upon which national security is built. The loss of a naval rating in line of duty is a profound tragedy, affecting not only their immediate family but also the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.

In her response, the Widow of the slain rating, Mrs Merit John-Jaja, expressed her profound gratitude to the CNS for his kind gesture. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Navy Holdings Limited, Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Shaku Muhammad, was represented by the Executive Director Administration/Human Resources, Rear Admiral Muhsin Yahaya Abba, at the event. The event was graced by the Director of Administration, Rear Admiral KB Effiong, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Naval Building and Construction Company Limited, Rear Admiral BH Sabo and Director, Veteran Affairs, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral A Alade.