…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of Rear Admirral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla as the new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), according to an announcement made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday.
Rear Admirral Ogalla’s curriculum vitae highlights key aspects of his career and qualifications.
Born on December 20, 1968, in Enugu Ezike Igbo Eze North LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria, he obtained the West African Senior School Certificate (WASC) from NMS Zaria in June 1987, graduating as the top student in Sciences with outstanding results in all subjects except English language.
He is a member of the 39 RC NDA (Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Mathematics, receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour as the best naval cadet in his course.
He was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant on September 16, 1992, and has risen through the ranks to Rear Admirral, effective from September 16, 2021.
In addition, he pursued further education, completing various courses such as the STC NNS QUORRA, Basic Hydrography at the National Hydrographic School in India, Junior and Senior Staff Courses at AFCSC Jaji, and the National Defence College (NDC) Course 22, where he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan between 2014 and 2015.
Experience and Contributions in the Nigerian Navy
Throughout his career, Rear Admirral Ogalla served on numerous 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 on board NNS EKUN.
During his tenure as the Base Operations Officer in NNS PATHFINDER, he played a crucial role in coordinating anti-illegal bunkering operations and overall policing duties, resulting in a significant reduction in illegal activities within the base area of operations.
Furthermore, Rear Admirral Ogalla held various positions within the Nigerian Navy, including Instructor, CI and Commandant of NNHS (Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School), Survey Officer, Deputy Director of Instruments at NNHO (Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office), and DS/DARAS (Directing Staff/Directorate of Audit and Research) at NDC.
He is currently the Deputy Director of Lessons Learned (DLL) at NHQ (Naval Headquarters). His tenure at NNHS involved teaching subjects such as geodesy, datum conversion, tidal predictions and analysis, satellite surveying, and bathymetry.
As Commandant, he established a partnership between the school and Teledyn Marines, a reputable OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in the United States, leading to the procurement of several survey equipment for practical training.
Rear Admirral Ogalla was also instrumental in aligning the school’s curriculum with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) requirements.
Notably, during his service at NNHO, he contributed to the localization of tidal prediction and analysis, participated in the FAO-sponsored Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem survey in 2004, and provided professional inputs for the survey and production of NNHO charts.
Additionally, he made valuable contributions to the research package at NDC and led the research study tour to China and South Korea for participants in 2018.
As DLL, he is responsible for analyzing past naval operations and activities, with the aim of drawing lessons to enhance doctrine and operational effectiveness.
Recognitions, Affiliations, and Personal Details
Rear Admirral Ogalla’s achievements and honors include being decorated with the FSS (Forces Service Star), MSS (Meritorious Service Star), DSS (Distinguished Service Star), and GSS (General Service Star).
He is a member of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society, Nigerian Institute of Management, and the International Earth Rotation Services.
Moreover, he is a fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association of the UK.
Rear Admirral Ogalla is married to Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, and they have been blessed with two children.
His personal interests include jogging, reading, and engaging in scientific and nature-related research.