The Nigerian Navy is celebrating its 70th Platinum Jubilee today, marking 70 years since it was founded as the Naval Defence Force in 1956. The 2-week celebration, themed “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” began May 21 and runs through June 4 across Lagos and naval formations nationwide.
President Bola Tinubu led an International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos. As part of the anniversary, the Navy commissioned three new vessels: NNS Bambina, NNS Grara, and NNS Olouibiri. During the celebrations, the Navy also launched a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea designed for rapid regional maritime security responses.
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas commissioned 80 housing units in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. This includes a 48-flat block that had been abandoned for over 5 years and was just completed. The Navy also opened the Dolphin Golf Clubhouse as part of its welfare upgrades.
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Naval bases marked the jubilee with civil-military projects across the country. NNS Madueke in Enugu carried out educational outreach and sports for Adani Community schools. NNS Delta provided free medical care for 100 residents in Uvwie, Delta State. FOB Igbokoda ran medical outreach in 9 coastal communities in Ondo.
The Navy announced it has built 5 vessels locally since 2010, with 2 seaward defence boats and 1 ferry still under construction. The Naval Dockyard has also refitted 3 warships for Benin Republic and is currently working on 3 more.
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Clip and pictures by Yaya of Africa
