The Executive Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Captain Daniel Beecroft, has attributed the recent remarkable achievements recorded by the Naval Base to the visionary leadership and commitment of its Commander, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu.
Beecroft made the remarks during the Officers’ Ceremonial Dinner held as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy in Warri, Delta State.
He described Commodore Tasiu as a transformational leader whose dedication to personnel welfare, infrastructural development and community engagement has revitalised the Base and strengthened its operational effectiveness.
“Tonight, I reserve a very special appreciation for our visionary leader, the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu,” Beecroft said.
According to him, the Commander has “written his name in gold” by organising what he described as a first-of-its-kind ceremonial dinner in the history of the Base, while also spearheading significant improvements in infrastructure and personnel welfare.
Beecroft noted that under Commodore Tasiu’s leadership, NNS DELTA’s 70th anniversary celebrations went beyond ceremonial activities to directly impact host communities through a series of humanitarian and development initiatives.
He disclosed that the Base carried out educational outreach programmes at Ogiame Primary School, distributing more than 1,200 notebooks, textbooks, teaching aids and school bags to pupils.
The command also organised a medical outreach in Ubeji Community, where over 1,000 residents benefited from free medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye examinations and dental services.
In addition, widows of fallen personnel received support, while sporting competitions involving youths, security agencies and paramilitary organisations were organised to promote unity, teamwork and community engagement.
Beecroft further highlighted the commissioning of several projects within the Base, including a modern transit accommodation facility and institutional accommodation for the Executive Officer, sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
He commended the Delta State Government for its continued support to NNS DELTA , particularly the ongoing foreshore wall project, which he described as critical to the protection of the base’s operational infrastructure.
The naval officer also expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, for his support and interventions on behalf of the command.
Beecroft paid tribute to former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), describing his presence at the anniversary celebrations as a source of inspiration to officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy.
He urged stakeholders and partners to sustain their support for the Navy, stressing that collaboration remains essential to maritime security, community development and national progress.
In his address at the dinner, Commander NNS DELTA Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, highlighted a series of community-focused activities undertaken by the Base as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
He said host communities benefited from food distribution, healthcare services and assurances of continued support from the Delta State Government through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
According to him, the Base also conducted an educational outreach at Obiyame Primary School, where more than 1,200 notebooks, textbooks and teaching aids were distributed, while every pupil received a school bag.
“By investing in these children, we are investing in the future of Nigeria. Education remains the shortest path to sustainable development,” Tasiu said.
The Commander further disclosed that several projects were commissioned during the anniversary celebrations, including a one-storey self-contained transit accommodation within the Base and a well-furnished executive accommodation provided by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
He added that the Navy took its celebrations to Ubeji Community through a medical outreach programme that provided free consultations, laboratory tests, eye examinations and dental care to over 1,000 residents.
Tasiu also noted that football, volleyball and tug-of-war competitions involving youths, security agencies and paramilitary organisations were organised to foster teamwork, unity and community engagement.
“The event demonstrated that teamwork, training and shared responsibility can overcome any challenge. That is the model we must continue to apply in our joint operations on land, at sea and beyond,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), and other partners for their support towards the success of the anniversary activities.
Tasiu reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Delta to strengthening civil-military relations, securing Nigeria’s waterways and contributing to the development of host communities.
Other speakers at the event commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to national security, maritime safety and community development over the past seven decades.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola (Rtd), described the Armed Forces as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s unity, urging security agencies to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities.
“The Navy and the Armed Forces are the keystone of Nigeria’s unity. We must continue to strengthen our institutions and preserve the values that have kept this nation together,” he said.
Retired naval officer, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, praised the Nigerian Navy for maintaining its tradition of professionalism and excellence.
“The Nigerian Navy has come a long way. Seeing younger officers carry forward the tradition of excellence gives us confidence that the future of the Service is secure,” he stated.
Also speaking, Brigadier General Efe Dafioghor (Rtd) stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies in addressing contemporary security challenges.
“Security is a collective responsibility. The cooperation we see among the military, security agencies and host communities remains essential to sustaining peace and stability,” he said.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the longstanding partnership between the Police and the Nigerian Navy.
“The Nigerian Navy has remained a dependable partner in securing our waterways. The synergy between the Navy and the Police continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime,” he said.
The speakers unanimously congratulated the Nigerian Navy on its 70th anniversary and expressed confidence in the Service’s ability to continue contributing to national development and security.
The Officers’ Ceremonial Dinner marked the climax of weeks of activities organised by NNS Delta to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s 70 years of service to the nation.