Rank gives you authority, but it can't buy love — and that was the big takeaway as Enugu State rolled out the red carpet for one of its finest, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (retd.).

What a moment it was in Enugu!

The Enugu State Government hosted a grand reception at the International Conference Centre over the weekend to celebrate Vice Admiral Ogalla after his successful run as Nigeria’s Naval Chief, and the tributes just kept coming.

Leading the charge was Governor Peter Mbah, who put it so beautifully. According to him, Ogalla earned genuine love, not just respect, because of the way he led — quietly, selflessly, and with real impact.

“Rank gives you authority. It does not automatically earn devotion. Office can command respect. But neither can command love. That is earned quietly, over time, through relationship and by the way you treat people when no one is watching,” Governor Mbah said.

And Mbah wasn’t just speaking in platitudes. He pointed to real receipts — like the establishment of the naval base at Ogurugu in Uzo-Uwani LGA and the Navy Secondary School at Umuopu in Igbo-Eze North. In his words: “One protects the present. The other invests in the future.”

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), was also full of praise. He described Ogalla’s career as one defined by professionalism, discipline, courage, and pure patriotism — someone who truly repositioned the Navy as a strategic guardian of our maritime interests.

“He is someone who transforms. His genius, integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues, supporters, and the nation,” Gen. Musa noted.

He also had a word for the Southeast, saying, “We are proud of the Southeast. And my joy is that the Southeast is getting it right. Within three years, we have seen massive changes across the Southeast.”

Then came a very personal tribute from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who recalled their days together at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He called Ogalla calm, humble, highly intelligent, and an inspiration to younger officers.

“Sir, I want to thank you on behalf of the good people of Enugu State; you fought the good battle. You represented us well, and we’re proud you’re our own,” Aneke said, while hailing Mbah with the line, “If you don’t celebrate your own, nobody would do that for you.”

The Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, also thanked Governor Mbah for keeping his promise to honour Ogalla and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for allowing him to serve.

Clearly moved, Ogalla himself said he was overwhelmed.

“I must specifically thank the governor for organising this event. I must say that I am overwhelmed by what I have seen here today,” he said.

He praised Mbah’s approach to security — mixing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies — and noted that real security is about human capacity, jobs, and education.

The hall was packed with dignitaries including former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, former Naval Chief Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (retd.), and former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.).

A proper Enugu honour for a true son who served Nigeria with his whole heart.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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