The Nigerian Navy marked a significant milestone on Friday, December 6, 2024, with the combined graduation ceremony of the Officers Long Course 29/24 and Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course 32/24 at the IMION/Quorra Auditorium. Rear Admiral Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, Chief Staff Officer of the Western Naval Command, represented the Special Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), at the event.
In his keynote address, Rear Admiral Baba-Inna commended the graduating officers for their resilience and dedication throughout the rigorous training programs. He noted that the courses were designed to equip officers with critical skills and competencies to address evolving maritime threats and operational challenges in the Nigerian Navy.
“The maritime domain remains a source of power and fortune, necessitating its protection from threats such as economic saboteurs and violent non-state actors,” he said. “These courses enhance your core competencies, preparing you to operate effectively on our platforms and contribute to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.”
The year-long training courses commenced in January 2024, focusing on integrating newly commissioned officers into naval operations and equipping seasoned officers with advanced professional skills. Participants underwent intensive sessions across various naval units, including practical exercises aimed at combating maritime threats and mastering fleet maintenance.
Rear Admiral Baba-Inna acknowledged the evolving nature of maritime threats and the need for continuous training to counter them. “Criminals evolve new ways of operating, and we must ensure our personnel are up-to-date with strategies to contain these threats,” he stated.
Despite challenges such as power supply issues and administrative constraints, the Nigerian Navy remained committed to providing high-quality training. The courses, certified by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, have positioned NNS Quorra as a recognized Maritime Training Institute.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of exceptional graduates. Sub-Lieutenant Chimaobi Chukwunta, the overall best student, attributed his success to resilience and determination. “The terrain was not always balanced, but a positive mindset helped me overcome challenges,” he said.
Lieutenant Daniel Abiodun, an awardee from the Officers Long Course, described the experience as rigorous but rewarding. “Despite environmental constraints, the Command ensured a smooth experience. I’m grateful to be part of this achievement,” he remarked.
Addressing the graduates, Rear Admiral Baba-Inna urged them to uphold the Nigerian Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork. “You are at the core of naval operations, and your words, actions, and gestures can determine the success of missions. Strive for excellence and always act with patriotism,” he advised.
He also commended the Commandant and staff of NNS QUORRA for their dedication, emphasizing the Naval Headquarters’ commitment to supporting training initiatives and improving welfare for instructors and administrative personnel.
Also speaking, the Commandant of NNS QOURRA, Commodore Benjamin Onalo in his welcome remarks, appreciated the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for ensuring constant support to the institution which has made NNS QUORRA to continue to deliver on its training mandate. He also appreciated the FOC NAVTRAC Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara for guidance and support which remained invaluable in ensuring that the demands of the school are met. This according to him has added immense value in shaping the training objectives of the School. He equally appreciated the resilience of the students who despite the difficulties of the course survived against all odds to graduate with good grades. He reminded the students to continue to remain worthy ambassadors of the School and always remember it for all it has instilled in them.
“The Nigeria Navy Ship QUORRA, which is the premier professional training school our officers and rating. The two set of officers that graduated this morning are for officers long course and sub-technical course, the officers long course is a professional course for student officers in above water warfare school, underwater warfare school, communication and information technology school and navigation and direction school respectively while the sub-technical course officers are trained to have initial knowledge on Navy operational and administrative activities in all respective schools in the Nigerian Navy and this started from January till December this year and they have passed out today successfully”
“The long officers course started with 42 of them but 40 of them made it till the end of the course, the remaining two did not made it due to disciplinary and medical issue while the sub-technical course started with 118 of them but today, it’s 114 of them that graduated” he added.
The ceremony concluded with Rear Admiral Baba-Inna extending heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families. “I wish you a successful naval career, a Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of achievement and hope for the future of the Nigerian Navy.
