The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, and other senior naval officers have paid tribute to retired Commodore Bethel Adogu, describing him as a distinguished officer whose professionalism, technical expertise, and mentorship left a lasting legacy in the Nigerian Navy.
The tributes were made at a night of tribute held in Abuja on Thursday in honor of Adogu, who died at the age of 69 after a brief illness in early June.
Abass also directed that Adogu be accorded full military burial honors in his hometown in Anambra State on October 16 in recognition of his service and contributions to the Navy.
Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, the naval chief described the deceased’s death as a shock to the service.
“By the special grace of God, the CNS has directed that he be accorded full military burial honours in his hometown in Anambra State on the 16th. The burial party is already making preparations, and the Chief of the Naval Staff has ensured that everything is in place for a befitting burial.
“The death of retired Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu came as a shock to us. He served meritoriously and was a mentor,” he said.
He added that the late officer was a highly professional naval engineer who was devoted to his duties and committed to developing younger officers.
“Beyond discharging his duties, he mentored younger officers and ensured they were well-equipped to carry out their responsibilities, particularly in maintaining platforms of the Nigerian Navy,” Abass said.
The naval chief said the service was comforted by the enduring impact of Adogu’s contributions, adding that preparations were underway for a befitting burial.
“We are comforted by the fact that his legacy lives on. Many engineers have benefited from his wealth of experience and his humanity,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Direct Short Service Commission 84 set, retired Commodore Aminatare Kpou recalled that Adogu was the first officer on their course’s nominal roll and was fondly known as “DO-1,” meaning Direct Officer Number One.
Kpou disclosed that 25 of the 52 officers who joined the Navy together had died, with Adogu being the 15th member of the course to pass away.
He described the deceased as a strong and athletic officer who was never afraid to express his views and stood firmly by his convictions.
