Nigerian Navy Buries Officer Who Died Rescuing Others From Drowning.
By Helen Udo, Outlook Media ABUJA.
The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday, August 28 2024, laid to rest the officer who died in the process of rescuing 59 persons from the ill-fated vessel, MV AMBIKA 4.
Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, died on July 30, during the rescue operation which happened in Bonny, Rivers State.
During the funeral ceremony, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla paid tribute to the fallen officer reaveled that Lt commander Gwaza died in the service, not only to the Nigerian Navy but in the service to humanity.
CNS Ogalla praised Gwaza’s exceptional service, noting that he was a “born soldier” who consistently excelled in his assignments and training.
“Because the assignment which he was given that day was to go and rescue a merchant vessel that was in distress and was about to sink. I received that information distress call from the company that a vessel was about to sink with 59 crew members on board, He said.
“”From all that has been said and from the enquiries that I have made, and also looking at his career records, I can only say that the officer was a born soldier.he Stressed.
“Out of those 59 persons on board, we had 10 Navy personnel on board. These 59 crew members were in danger of being perished. Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was detailed with a team of other patriotic ratings and officers to go and rescue these people.he said.
“Unfortunately, and in line with the operating environment where we operate, where you cannot predict the nature of tide perfectly, you can also not predict so many other factors that take place out there at sea. He had an accident and we lost him that day. It’s very sad,”
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The Naval boss, however, announced a befitting accommodation for Gwaza’s wife and an award of scholarship for the children’s education up to the University level.
Naval Boss said “
“So 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.”
Mrs Salome Gwaza , noted that her husband died a hero,
“We had nine years of deepest love, happiest marriage, and true partnership. GY, you were my inspiration ,A man who loved his family deeply and worked so hard to provide and care for his family, she said.
“He nurtured us all in the ways of the Lord. You were my number one role model. It’s hard for me to accept that you are no longer here. I wake up every day to see the cold space where you lived. GY, I see you in everything I do. Thank you for loving me, for making grand memories with us, and for taking care of the boys and me. I super navigate all. You were very intelligent. You were selfless. You were dedicated and brave.
“You loved your job so well and I’m glad you died as a hero. I will forever be proud of you. Your children will be proud of you. You were a true soldier who loved and cherished every moment spent together. I will love your children even more. I never thought you would leave this early.
“This was not the agreement. Our plan was to raise them together. Now that you’re no longer here, I pray God gives me the strength and all that I require to bring up this voice that you’ll be proud of and you’ll watch us from heaven and smile. ”
Mrs Gwaza, while promising to make her husband proud in death, said, “I pray God gives me the strength to make you proud just like you have always believed in me. And I promise today, GY, that I will never disappoint you. Never.
“To a brave soldier that I was privileged to have as my husband. Fair winds and sailing seas, I love you. Even in death, I still love you. ”
In the Same vein,Gwaza’s elder sister, Ishaku Matilda said,
“You were born great. You had your whole life ahead of you.
“You exuded greatness in everything that you did, From childhood, you were good at everything. She said.
“You excelled at eveverything ,I can’t believe that you’re no longer here, But i guess the Almighty has his plans for you. And I trust in God’s plan for all of us.she stressed.
“My encyclopedia, my guide, my sound detector. Who is going to correct my English now? When I told you about my new posting, he said, don’t worry, sis. Just go and dazzle them with your brilliance.
“You’re always acting like you were older than me,I understand you were only protecting me. Even though you’re no longer here in the flesh, I carry you in my heart and spirit always.”she said.