The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commissioned a series of infrastructural projects at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new one-storey building which will serve as accommodation for naval personnel serving in the area.
The ceremony, held at FOB Bonny, was conducted on behalf of the CNS by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, who was received by the Commanding Officer of FOB Bonny, Captain Stanley Umeh.
Umeh conducted the FOC, who was accompanied by the Chairman of Bonny LGA, Abinye Pepple, who represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Ibifubara Willie-Pepple, on an inspection tour of eight projects around the Base, during which the completed projects were formally commissioned.
They include the remodelled administrative building, reconstructed car park, remodelled gatehouse, a newly acquired property, the naval outpost at Coconut Estate waterfront, Bonny.
The commissioning was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for a one-storey building designed to provide additional accommodation for personnel of the base upon completion.
Speaking at the event, the CNS commended Captain Umeh for what he described as his pragmatic approach to infrastructural development, strategic leadership and commitment to improving the operational environment of FOB Bonny since assuming command.
Abbas praised the quality and significance of the projects, noting that they would improve the welfare of personnel, create a more conducive working environment and ultimately enhance their productivity.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to building a forward-looking maritime security institution, stressing that its responsibility extends beyond providing operational capabilities to ensuring that personnel have comfortable and supportive environments in which to discharge their duties.
According to him, the Navy under his leadership remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and welfare facilities to strengthen personnel effectiveness and institutional performance.
“When you see excellence, when you see determination, when you see commitment, you must come to acknowledge that; and that’s what I’m doing here in Bonny.”
“In my career, I’ve gone through most of these bases, but I can see a change in Bonny. This is seven projects, but there’s one, two, three, four, five, six, eight that we’re commissioning today. And that tells you the kind of leadership that we have as commanding officers. And let me give you the senior’s Bravo, Zulu, for what you have done.”
“When I discussed with the CNS, he said, are your commanders adding value? I say, yes, Sir. He said, okay, I will come and see it, and today he’s seeing it, that you have indeed added value to FOB Bonny; and I’m saying, well done and bravo, Zulu.
“During the last CNS retreat, the Eastern Command was adjudged the best regional command. And that tells you the efforts that we have put into achieving this feat.”
“However, let us not go to sleep. We must sustain the momentum, meet and fight the illegalities, ensure safety and stability within our environment, and keep the flag flying. Once more, well done and bravo, Zulu.”
Earlier, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Captain Umeh said the progress recorded at FOB Bonny had been guided by the strategic directives and operational guidelines of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
He explained that the projects presented for commissioning were conceived not merely to improve the physical outlook of the base but also to reinforce the Nigerian Navy’s institutional values and provide an enabling environment for personnel to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
Umeh said the infrastructural improvements reflected his administration’s determination to move the base forward while strengthening its operational capacity and personnel welfare.
Among dignitaries present were representatives of the Commanding Officer of 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Bonny; Major Polycarp Ngabolo, the Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); John David, Divisional Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mamah Sunday; and representatives of the Divisional Police Officers of Bonny and Finima, NLNG, among others.
