Naval Chief, others pay tribute to late naval weapons expert
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 honour 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 honours 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.
“He was also very generous and self-sacrificing, sometimes putting our comfort ahead of his own,” Kpou said.
He praised Adogu’s professional accomplishments, recalling that he served as a weapons electrical officer aboard naval ships and was later selected for defence training in Pakistan.
According to him, Adogu subsequently served as Director of Weapons Electrical at Naval Headquarters and worked at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, where ships are built and maintained.
Kpou also recalled the deceased’s compassion during his illness, saying he continued to assist others who were unwell despite his own health challenges.
“About a week before he passed away, despite the pain he was going through, he called us to express his deep appreciation for the little effort we made to support his treatment,” he said.
He added, “We will miss his presence, his professionalism, his friendship, his comradeship and his Godliness.”
Adogu’s daughter, Brittany Chidiebere Adogu, also paid tribute to her father, describing him as a kind, generous and disciplined man whose values continued to shape his children’s lives.
She said she particularly missed his voice, kindness and presence, adding that his military background influenced the discipline he instilled in his children.
“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 added that her father taught them to respect others, show kindness regardless of their status, and conduct themselves with discipline and dignity.
Adogu was born on March 23, 1957, in Uffa Community, Aguluzigbo, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, to 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.
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