The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, has directed that retired Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu be accorded full military burial honours in recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian Navy.   The burial is scheduled to take place in his hometown in Anambra State on October 16, following his death at the age of 69 after a brief illness in early June. The directive was announced during a night of tribute held in Abuja on Thursday, where senior naval officers, former colleagues and family members honoured the late officer for his professionalism, technical expertise and commitment to mentoring younger personnel. Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, Abass described Adogu’s death as a shock to the Nigerian Navy. He said the naval chief had ensured that preparations were underway for a befitting burial in recognition of the deceased’s meritorious service. According to Abass, Adogu was a highly professional naval engineer who devoted himself to his duties and helped younger officers develop the skills needed to maintain Nigerian Navy vessels and other platforms. He added that the late officer’s legacy would endure through the many engineers who benefited from his experience and mentorship. Colleagues Recall Adogu’s Service 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 affectionately 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 late commodore as a strong, athletic officer who stood firmly by his convictions and was never afraid to express his views. Kpou also praised Adogu’s generosity and selflessness, saying he often put the comfort of others ahead of his own. He recalled that Adogu served as a weapons electrical officer aboard naval ships before being selected for defence training in Pakistan. The retired officer subsequently served as Director of Weapons Electrical at Naval Headquarters and worked at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, where naval vessels are built and maintained. Kpou said Adogu continued to show concern for others during his illness, recalling that the deceased had expressed gratitude for the support he received towards his treatment shortly before his death. He said the Navy community would miss Adogu’s professionalism, friendship, camaraderie and faith. Daughter Remembers His Discipline and Kindness Adogu’s daughter, Brittany Chidiebere Adogu, described her father as a kind, generous and disciplined man whose values continued to influence his children. She said she would particularly miss his voice, kindness and presence, adding that his military background shaped the discipline he instilled in the family. According to her, although her father was strict while raising his children, he was never harsh. She said he taught them to respect everyone, show kindness regardless of social status and conduct themselves with discipline and dignity. Adogu’s 27-Year Naval Career Born on March 23, 1957, in Uffa Community, Aguluzigbo, in 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. He is survived by his wife and four children.