In a landmark event held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, on Wednesday, a state-of-the-art multipurpose hall was officially commissioned.
The newly unveiled 200-seat capacity hall is set to serve as a hub for lectures, training sessions, and a variety of socio-cultural activities.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, lauded the new facility, named in honor of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
He described the edifice as a testament to visionary leadership and collective effort within the Nigerian Navy.
“The remodeled multipurpose hall is not just a physical structure but a symbol of followership, commitment, and progress.
It will serve as a vital center for learning and social activities at NNS WEY,” Rear Admiral Hassan said.
He also praised the Commander of NNS WEY, Commodore Mutairu Braimah, and his team for their dedication to the project, which aligns with the CNS’s vision and strategic directives.
Recalling his unscheduled visit to NNS WEY in March 2024, Rear Admiral Hassan mentioned how Commodore Braimah had briefed him on the intention to remodel the hall.
“I am happy to see this structure, which will undoubtedly add value to the activities of the base,” he added.
Rear Admiral Hassan further expressed his appreciation for the continued support and leadership provided by the Chief of Naval Staff, noting that the CNS’s initiatives, including the completion of this hall, demonstrate a commitment to improving the Nigerian Navy’s infrastructure and creating a pathway worthy of emulation by senior naval officers.
In his opening remarks, Commodore Braimah, Commander of NNS WEY, detailed the journey of the hall’s construction, which began on March 27, 2024, just two months after he assumed office.
He highlighted the importance of having a dedicated space for various activities, noting that the previous use of the parade ground was inadequate for the base’s needs.
“Upon assuming office, I recognized the urgent need for a conducive environment to foster growth, learning, and camaraderie among officers and men,” Braimah stated.
Despite initial concerns about the project’s cost, he and his team successfully completed the hall in six stages through perseverance and strategic planning.
Braimah also acknowledged the enabling environment created by the Chief of Naval Staff, which facilitated the completion of the project.
He revealed that the hall was named after Vice Admiral Ogalla in gratitude for the ongoing projects he had approved in Navy Town, including the re-mobilization of contractors to continue work on previously abandoned projects and the awarding of 14 new projects under Direct Labour.
Looking ahead, Commodore Braimah outlined areas where he intends to add further value, including human development, welfare, and improving vehicular movement within the barracks.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to give Navy Town a facelift, such as painting gates, repairing potholes, and enhancing waste management.
However, Braimah appealed for additional items to ensure the proper functioning of the newly commissioned hall.
These items include two 75-inch televisions, three standing air conditioners, desktop computers, 150 additional chairs, two water dispensers, five standing fans, a projector, CCTV cameras, a lectern with a wireless microphone, and a music box.
The commissioning of the multipurpose hall marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the facilities and overall well-being of officers and men at NNS WEY, setting a standard for other units within the Nigerian Navy.
