On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, the Director of Navy Affairs at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Joel Adeoye, paid a familiarisation visit to the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command in Calabar. He was accompanied by the Deputy Director of Navy Logistics, Mr. Kola Aragbaye, as part of efforts to acquaint the Ministry with the Command’s activities, operations, and facilities.
The delegation was warmly received by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Chukwuemeka Ezete, alongside the Command’s Principal Staff Officers.
After receiving a detailed briefing and presentation on the Command’s operations, Mr. Adeoye delivered his remarks, stressing the importance of enhancing personnel welfare in areas such as accommodation, transportation, and healthcare. He also raised concerns over the increasing rate of voluntary retirements, the shortfall in operational equipment, and budgetary challenges affecting the Nigerian Navy.
The Director, however, commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for ongoing infrastructure development projects across the Service. He assured the Command that the Ministry of Defence remains committed to providing support in critical areas to strengthen naval capacity.
In his response, Rear Admiral Ezete expressed gratitude for the Director’s visit, observations, and reassurances, noting that the Command remains committed to upholding the core values and strategic objectives of the Nigerian Navy.
