Wife, Children of Naval Officer Who Drowned Rescuing Stranded Vessel Get House, Scholarship

Wife, Children of Naval Officer Who Drowned Rescuing Stranded Vessel Get House, Scholarship

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has donated a house and scholarship to the spouse and children of late Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who died while rescuing 59 crew members from a sinking vessel.

Recalled that Lieutenant Commander Gwaza, attached to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny Island, Rivers State, lost his life on July 30, 2024, during a search and rescue operation.

The crew of MV AMBIKA 4 was rescued, but Gwaza sacrificed his life in the process.

Speaking at the Funeral Oration at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, where he was laid to rest, CNS Ogalla mourned Gwaza’s death, praising his gallantry and selfless sacrifice.

He assured the family of the Nigerian Navy’s support, stating, “We will never shy away from providing for the welfare of our men, including those we have lost.”

The CNS announced the donation of a house in one of the Navy’s post-housing schemes for Gwaza’s family and a scholarship for his children.

He encouraged the spouse to stay strong, saying, “You have a partner in the Nigerian Navy. Do not feel betrayed. What has happened has happened. Move forward, and let the children remember their father’s sacrifice.”

According to him, “I want to assure the family members, particularly the spouse, that you have a partner in the Nigerian Navy. Do not feel betrayed and do not be disillusioned.

“What has happened has happened. It is for you to gear up and encourage yourself to move forward so that the children, the young children, the beautiful children that we are seeing today will live to remember that their father died in sacrifice to humanity and that is impacting also in their lives.”

Gwaza’s spouse, Mrs. Salome Gwaza, paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, saying: “My beloved husband, Gideon, was a hero in every sense. His selfless act will never be forgotten. He died saving others, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice. I am proud to have called him my husband and father of our children. ”

She also thanked Nigerian Navy, for it’s support and kindness. “Your gestures bring comfort to our family in this difficult time”, she said.

Ogalla however thanked guests, family including retired senior officers who served with Gwaza, and assured continued support for the family.

He assured Nigerian Navy’s commitment to caring for its personnel and their families, even in the face of ultimate sacrifice.

By PRNigeria