Nigerian Navy to Give Retired Commodore Bethel Adogu Full Military Burial Honours

The Nigerian Navy will accord retired Commodore Bethel Chukwuma Adogu full military burial honours on October 16 in recognition of his service and contributions to the force.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, directed that the retired officer be given a befitting military burial in his hometown in Anambra State. The directive was announced during a night of tribute held in Abuja on Thursday.

Adogu died at the age of 69 in early June after a brief illness. Senior naval officers and former colleagues paid tribute to him at the event, describing him as a highly professional officer, skilled naval engineer and dedicated mentor.

Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, Abass said the death of the retired commodore came as a shock to the service.

He said Adogu had served meritoriously and made lasting contributions to the development of younger naval engineers, particularly in maintaining 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,” Abass said.

The naval chief added that many engineers had benefited from Adogu’s professional experience and personal qualities. He said preparations were already underway to ensure the retired officer received a befitting burial.

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 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 their course to pass away. He described him as a strong, athletic officer who expressed his views openly, stood by his convictions and showed generosity towards others.

He also highlighted Adogu’s professional career, noting that he served as a weapons electrical officer aboard naval ships before undertaking defence training in Pakistan. He later 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 even during his illness. He recalled that the retired officer contacted colleagues about a week before his death to express appreciation for their efforts to support his treatment.

Adogu’s daughter, Brittany Chidiebere Adogu, also remembered him as a kind, generous and disciplined father whose values continued to guide his children. She said his military background influenced the discipline he maintained at home, although he was never harsh with them.

Born on March 23, 1957, in Uffa Community, Aguluzigbo, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Adogu joined the Nigerian Navy in February 1984 and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant. During his 27-year naval career, he held several positions, 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.