By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has donated a 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow to the family of late Able Seaman John Jaja, who died in an operation on Sept. 3, 2024 in Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the house located at the Navy Estate, Karshi Abuja, was handed over to the wife of the deceased personnel, Mrs Merit John, who was represented by Mrs Lydia John.
The deceased personnel was killed in an ambush during a clearance operation at Amiyi Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.
In his remarks, the CNS, represented by the Director, Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, said the gesture was an acknowledgement of the deceased selfless sacrifice in his service to the nation.
He said it was in continuation of his commitment to the welfare of officers and ratings of the Nigerian navy and their families to serve as morale booster for them to remain dedicated.
“We are here today to hand over the furnished and completed two-bedroom flats to the next-of-kin of our late colleague who lost his life, who paid the supreme price in Onitsha.
“We hope that this kind gesture will remain in our minds so that our dear colleague that paid the supreme price will never ever be forgotten,” he said.
The Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited (NHL), Rear Adm Zakariyyah Muhammad, represented by Rear Adm. Muhsin Abba, Executive Director, Administration and Human Resources, thanked the CNS for the gesture.
He said the gesture from the naval chief was just one amongst many that follows the demise of personnel who died in action.
Mrs Lydia John, who received the house on behalf of the beneficiary, thanked the Nigerian navy for providing the widow and her children with a permanent roof over their heads.
She described the late Jaja as a dedicated and gallant personnel who devoted his life to defending Nigeria.
She added that the deceased rating was a good husband to his wife and great father to his children, adding that the late Jaja never set his eyes on his second child before his demise.
“My sister and friend are very happy because this is a lifetime accommodation for her and her family.
“I want to thank the CNS and the Nigerian navy again for this gesture because, being remembered like this is a big thing for the family,” she said. (NAN)
