The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its growing shipbuilding capacity and unwavering commitment to excellence, describing the Naval Dockyard as a powerful symbol of teamwork, innovation and national pride.
AVM Ilo made the remarks while delivering his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour at the Naval Dockyard Limited End-of-Year Dinner and Awards Night, held to celebrate outstanding officers and staff of the Dockyard.
Speaking emotionally, the NAFRC Commandant disclosed that he travelled from Abuja the same day to honour the invitation, underscoring the importance he attached to the occasion. He expressed gratitude to his course mates and colleagues for the privilege of serving as special guest, noting that the event represented more than a social gathering.
“I am delighted to be here to celebrate with this beautiful family. Seeing what has been achieved at the Naval Dockyard reminds me of the power of teamwork, dedication and passion. If Nigerians can build a ship from scratch to completion, then we are truly a special people,” AVM Ilo said.
He praised the officers and personnel of the Dockyard for translating the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff into tangible outcomes, particularly in the drive to develop sustainable naval platforms capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to him, such achievements could only be realised through cooperation, shared purpose and disciplined execution, adding that the efforts of the Dockyard personnel had not gone unnoticed within the Armed Forces hierarchy.
AVM Ilo also paid glowing tribute to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Superintendent of the Dockyard, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, for their leadership and commitment to institutional growth. He conveyed warm greetings from the Defense Headquarters and called for continued loyalty and support to advance the Armed Forces in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by appreciating heads of sister security agencies and establishments present, stressing the importance of unity across the Armed Forces, while reminding personnel to always place family at the centre of their service.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, described the dinner and awards night as a celebration of people rather than just projects or timelines.
“This night is about celebrating the officers, ratings, civilian staff, NYSC members and industrial trainees who make our journey possible. This year tested our resilience, but it also revealed our strength, innovation and shared vision,” he said.
Rear Admiral Shehu highlighted the sacrifices, late nights and quiet dedication that contributed to the Dockyard’s successes, noting that many of these efforts often go unseen but are deeply valued.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and senior naval leadership for their visionary support, particularly in the provision of critical equipment and facilities that have enhanced seamless operations at the Dockyard.
The Admiral Superintendent urged personnel to use the occasion to reflect on achievements, strengthen bonds of unity and look forward with confidence to a brighter future for the Naval Dockyard and the Nigerian Navy at large.
The high-profile event attracted senior military officers, including the Commandant of NAFRC, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, as well as other top-ranking officers across the Armed Forces.
