Profile of Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff

Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla has recently been appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff, following the removal of Service Chiefs by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. He takes over from Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021. Here are some key details about the new Chief of Naval Staff:

1. Birth and Background: Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla was born on December 20, 1968, in Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria.
2. Naval Education: He is a distinguished alumnus of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Mathematics. During his time at NDA, he was awarded the Sword of Honour as the best naval cadet in his course.
3. Commission and Rank: Ogalla was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on September 16, 1992, and has steadily risen through the ranks. He currently holds the rank of Rear Admiral, effective as of September 16, 2021.
4. Specialized Training: He has completed several specialized training programs, including the STC NNS QUORRA, Basic Hydrography National Hydrographic School India in May 2000. Additionally, he successfully completed the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji on November 1 and July 6, respectively. He also participated in NDC Course 22, where he was awarded the fdc on August 14.
5. Naval Experience: Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Ogalla has served on various naval ships, including NNS AMBE, ARADU, LANA, EKUN, AGU, QUORRA, BEECROFT, DELTA, and PATHFINDER. Notably, he participated in the ECOMOG Operations in Liberia in 1996 while serving aboard NNS EKUN.
6. Diverse Roles: Ogalla has held several significant positions within the Nigerian Navy. He has served as an Instructor, CI and Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School (NNHS), Senior Officer 1 Survey, Deputy Director of Instruments at the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO), Assistant Director of Coastal and Ports Regulation (ADCP), Deputy Director of Hydrography (DD Hydro), and Director of Personnel Records at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters (DPR NHQ). He has also served as a Directing Staff at the National Defence College (NDC) and as the Director of Audit at the National Assembly (NASS NHQ).
7. Recognitions and Memberships: Rear Admiral Ogalla has received several prestigious awards and decorations, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), and the Grand Service Star (GSS). He is a member of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society, Nigerian Institute of Management, the International Earth Rotation Services, and a fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association of the UK.
8. Personal Life: Rear Admiral Ogalla is married to Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, and their union has been blessed with two children.
9. As the newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the Nigerian Navy. His distinguished career and specialized training equip him to take on the responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and enhancing national security.