69th: Anniversary: Navy Chief, Ogalla commissions newly constructed worship centres in Abuja
69th: Anniversary: Navy Chief, Ogalla commissions newly constructed worship centres in Abuja
By Idun Maximus
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla on Thursday, commissioned worship centres for the spiritual uplifting of personnel and called for more prayers to end insecurity in the country.
AbeyaNews reports that the commissioning of the worship centres located at the Navy town, Asokoro Abuja, include a Catholic Church, Protestant Church and a mosque. The event was part of activities lined up to celebrate the 69 years anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
In his address at the commissioning, the CNS, while noting the importance of worship centres for both Christians and Muslims personnel to seek the face of God, said that addressing the challenges of insurgency, terrorism and other forms of threats required a whole of society approach, of which the spiritual solution was part of.
“We recognise that the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of irregular threats that are facing us today are challenges that require a whole of society approach.
“So, while we look for the military solutions, we also believe that the spiritual solution is part of what we need to be able to surmount them.
“And these places of worship are key to shaping the minds and shaping the characters of not only our personnel but other Nigerians who use it.”
He called for change of attitude to work among personnel to enhance their commitment to the fight against insurgency and terrorism, which were the major threats facing the nation.
The CNS urged them to take advantage of the centres to benefit from the spiritual upliftment that it was meant to provide.
Earlier in his address, the Commander, Naval Unit, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, said the three newly completed places of worship, would serve personnel and residents of Navy Town, Admiralty and Lakeview Estates and environs as well as serve as functional nerve centres of the Directorate of Naval Chaplaincy Services and the Directorate of Islamic Affairs.
He said that the construction works which commenced on June 17, 2019 and completed in April 2025, each has the capacity of about 1,000 worshipers with an upper gallery and conference hall, while the mosque has an estimated capacity of 1200 worshipers comprising male and female sections.
Also speaking, the Director of Chaplaincy, Roman Catholic Church, Naval Headquarters, Navy Captain Richmond Diala, thanked the naval chief for ensuring the completion of the projects.
He said vision, generosity and faith of the CNS had not just built structures, but sanctuaries that would bless generations.
He prayed for God’s guidance, success, safety and joy, as the service continued its 69th anniversary celebration.
