By Kingsley Omonobi
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, has directed that full military honours be accorded retired Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu at his burial in his hometown in Anambra State on October 16.
The directive is in recognition of the late naval officer’s distinguished service, technical expertise and contributions to the Nigerian Navy, particularly in weapons engineering and the mentorship of younger officers.
Adogu died in June at the age of 69 after a brief illness.
Tributes were paid to the deceased at a Night of Tribute held at the Anglican Church of the Redemption, Admiralty Estate, Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, where colleagues, family members and associates celebrated his life, professional accomplishments and enduring legacy.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, described the late officer as a highly professional naval engineer who served the country meritoriously.
“The death of retired Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu came as a shock to us. He served meritoriously and was a mentor,” he said.
Taofeek said Adogu was deeply committed to his duties and devoted considerable attention to mentoring younger officers, particularly in the maintenance of Nigerian Navy platforms.
“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,” he added.
He said the Navy was comforted by the enduring legacy the retired officer left behind, noting that many engineers had benefited from his experience and humanity.
According to him, the burial party had commenced preparations to ensure a befitting military burial in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Taofeek urged serving officers to remain committed to national service, uphold the Constitution and discharge their responsibilities in a manner that sustains public confidence in the military.
‘My father was strict but never harsh’
In an emotional tribute, Brittany Chidiebere Adogu, the deceased’s first daughter, described her father as a disciplinarian whose military background shaped his approach to raising his children but did not deprive them of happiness.
“I am the first of four children of the late Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu. Growing up, particularly as a family of mostly women, my father was strict but never harsh. His military background was very much a part of him, and he tried to instil that discipline in all of us,” she said.
She explained that although the family had strict rules, her father ensured that discipline did not come at the expense of their enjoyment and happiness.
“We had very strict rules, but even while disciplining us, my dad never took away our fun or joy. He always allowed us to enjoy ourselves,” she said.
Brittany said her father taught his children to be respectful, kind to others regardless of their status, and to conduct themselves with discipline and dignity.
She added that the values he instilled in them had remained important despite the children now living in different parts of the world.
Recalling what she missed most about him, she said it was difficult to single out any one quality, citing his distinctive voice, kindness and generosity.
“I miss his kind nature. I miss his generosity. I miss the fact that he could be so kind to people, sometimes even to his own detriment. Most of all, I simply miss having him here with us. I miss all of him,” she said.
Although the family was saddened by his death, she said the knowledge that every human journey must eventually end offered some consolation.
Colleagues celebrate his professionalism
Also paying tribute, retired Commodore Amatare Kpou, who spoke on behalf of members of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 84 set, disclosed that 15 of the 52 officers who joined the Nigerian Navy together had died, with Adogu being the latest.
Kpou said Adogu was the first officer on their course’s nominal roll at the Nigerian Naval College, Onura, earning him the nickname “DO-1”, meaning Direct Officer Number One.
He described the deceased as a strong, athletic and outspoken officer who was never afraid to express his convictions.
According to Kpou, Adogu’s willingness to speak his mind sometimes attracted punishment during military training, when trainees were expected to be submissive and readily moulded by their instructors.
Despite this, he said, Adogu remained generous and self-sacrificing, often placing the comfort of his colleagues above his own.
Kpou also praised his professional performance, particularly his work as a weapons electrical officer aboard naval ships.
He said Adogu was later selected for defence training in Pakistan, a recognition he described as significant given the competitive process through which officers were chosen for overseas training.
The retired commodore subsequently served as Director of Weapons Electrical at Naval Headquarters and held appointments at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, where naval vessels are built and maintained.
Kpou said Adogu’s compassion remained evident even during his final illness, as he continued to offer assistance to other people who were also unwell.
He recalled that about a week before his death, Adogu called members of his course set to express appreciation for their support towards his medical treatment, despite the pain he was experiencing.
“For us, all that remains now are memories—beautiful memories of his presence, his past, his friendship and his candour,” Kpou said.
He added that the deceased would be remembered for his professionalism, friendship, comradeship and faith, while praying for strength and comfort for his family.
27 years of service
Born on March 23, 1957, in Uffa Community, Aguluzigbo, in present-day Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Adogu was the son of Pa Benson and Mrs Isabella Adogu.
He joined the Nigerian Navy in February 1984 and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant.
During his 27-year naval career, he served in several capacities, including General Manager, Plans, at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, and Director of Weapons Engineering at Naval Headquarters.
His career was marked by professional dedication, technical expertise and service to the nation, particularly in naval engineering and the maintenance of military platforms.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
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