*Thank President Tinubu
By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
It was a glittering array of personalities, indeed, the A-class, respected nationwide; dignitaries whose words carry weight, that gathered for the august event.
They came to give the deserving son his flowers. And the flowers dropped in bouquets.
It was a momentous occasion for former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd), as his past positive deeds to the fatherland while in office were reconstructed in his presence, to much applause.
The occasion was a reception in his honour organized by the Enugu state government to mark the successful completion of his tenure as CNS.
The encomiums on him cascaded in torrents as he was variously described in glowing terms for his selfless service to the country.
Ogalla was described as a patriot, a man of courage, an exemplary officer whose career was defined by unwavering service to Nigeria and an enduring commitment to national security and human capital development.
Speaking during the event, which took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, at the weekend, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State said that the former service chief earned the love of his people and colleagues through impactful leadership that transcended the ranks he wore and the offices he occupied.
“Rank gives you authority. It does not automatically earn devotion. Office can command respect. But neither can command love. That is earned quietly, over time, through relationship and by the way you treat people when no one is watching,” he stated.
The governor commended Ogalla’s commitment to security and human capital development, highlighting the establishment of a naval base at Ogurugu, Uzo Uwani LGA of the state, and Navy Secondary School, Umuopu, in Igbo Eze North LGA of Enugu State.
“An operational naval base strengthens security today, and a naval school will help shape tomorrow’s leaders. One protects the present. The other invests in the future,” Mbah noted.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the ex-Naval chief’s exemplary service at their various levels of leadership.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), stressed that Ogalla’s military career was marked by professionalism, discipline, courage, innovation, patriotism and unwavering commitment to peace, stressing that he repositioned the Navy as a strategic partner in protecting the nation’s maritime interests.
“He is someone that transforms. His genius, integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues, supporters, and the nation,” Musa stated.
The Minister emphasised his faith in the strategic import of the South-East zone to Nigeria and commended the progress made by the region in general and Enugu state in particular under Gov. Mbah’s leadership in the last three years.
“We are proud of the South East. And my joy is that South East is getting it right. Within three years, we have seen massive changes across South East,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described Ogalla as a calm, humble, highly intelligent and dedicated officer whose exemplary leadership and professionalism had set a high standard in the Nigerian Navy.
Recalling their days together at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and their decades of military service, Aneke said the former service chief’s character and achievements had inspired younger officers, noting that the outpouring of emotion during his pulling-out ceremony was a testament to the sort of leader he was.
“Sir, I want to thank you on behalf of the good people of Enugu State; you fought the good battle. You represented us well and we’re proud you’re our own,” he said.
Marshal Aneke also commending Gov. Mbah for organising the reception, saying: “If you don’t celebrate your own, nobody would do that for you.”
Also speaking, Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, commended Gov. Mbah for fulfilling his promise to honour Ogalla and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as CNS.
As the traditional ruler representing Ogalla’s senatorial zone, Igwe Asadu stressed that the event was a powerful demonstration of gratitude, noting that there was no virtue greater than honouring those who had served their people and country faithfully.
Responding, apparently overwhelmed with joy, Ogalla expressed immense gratitude to Enugu State, his family, military constituency, and friends for the love shown to him.
“I must specifically thank the Governor for organising this event. I must say that I am overwhelmed by what I have seen here today,” he stated.
He commended Mbah for what he described as the governor’s massive development strides and for adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the fight against insecurity.
“I believe that what our Governor is doing is unprecedented. And I believe that we need to give him maximum support to do for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria to grow.
“The modern concept of security is not just military might and weapons, but also human security, improving the capacity of the citizens, providing employment, providing education. And these are exactly what the Governor is taking as his priorities,” he emphasised.
Ogalla expressed special gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to rise to the pinnacle of his career and to actualise his dream to take the Nigerian Navy to greater heights.
The event was attended by serving and retired military chiefss and prominent leaders, including former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; former CNS, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.); former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, and others.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mbah (2nd left), Admiral Ogalla (3rd left, smiling), Defence Minister, Gen. Musa(r) at the reception.
