The Nigerian Navy has decorated newly promoted Rear Admirals at a colourful ceremony held at Naval Headquarters, Abuja. The event—popularly known as the “Shipping of Stripes”—drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, senior military officers, families, and well-wishers.
Among the distinguished guests were:
a. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON
b. The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu
c. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas
d. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye
e. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu
f. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, HQ NAF, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi
g. Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed
h. Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman
i. Director General, Defence Research and Development Bureau, Rear Admiral Kehinde John Odubanjo
j. Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde Olodude
The ceremony opened with formal citations of the newly promoted officers, highlighting careers marked by exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and consistent dedication to national service.
The symbolic “Shipping of Stripes” underscored not only their personal accomplishments but also the confidence the Nigerian Navy—and the nation—places in their capacity to shoulder greater responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, congratulated the newly decorated Rear Admirals, emphasizing that their promotions were earned through merit, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Navy’s core values. He encouraged them to embrace their new roles as a renewed call to duty, demanding courage, integrity, and visionary leadership.
Vice Admiral Abbas further urged the officers to remain model ambassadors of the Service and to contribute actively to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, noting that their elevated positions come at a critical time for the nation’s strategic and operational priorities.
The ceremony concluded with applause and goodwill messages from families and guests, marking a proud milestone in the careers of the newly promoted Admirals.
