SPECIAL FEATURE ON COMMODORE AMADI GUY IKWECHEGH (OFR)

SPECIAL FEATURE ON COMMODORE
AMADI GUY IKWECHEGH (OFR)
By Joseph ANYIM

Commodore Amadi Guy Ikwechegh, OFR will no doubt CONTINUE TO enjoy the privilege of occupying the centre stage in Nigeria’s military hall of fame on account of his diligent and patriotic service to the nation and the Nigerian Navy in particular for over 33 years. A man of indomitable spirit, strength, character and discipline, Retired Commodore Ikwechegh would always be remembered for his integrity, hard work, patriotism and courage in the service to both man and God.

The passing on of Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh, former member of the Provisional Ruling Council in the USA and reactions that trailed the news have once again unmistakably laid bare the high value of his service to the nation. Born on 25 February 1951 into the family of Late Chief and Mrs. Oturu Ikwechegh of Amakpo Autonomous Community, Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, IKWECHEGH attended Igbere Central School Igbere and Aba Township School FOR HIS PRIMARY EDUCATION. Between 1963 and 1966 he passed through the Nigeria Military School Zaria and later Government College Umuahia WHICH was interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.


Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh was however undaunted as he was admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy in July 1971 and subsequently commissioned a Sub Lieutenant in January, 1974. While in service, Commodore Ikwechegh attended several military and civil courses including the Britannia Royal Naval College United Kingdom and graduated with a First Class, Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic School Sydney and the United States Naval Oceanographic School. He ATTENDED the Prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji between August 1985 and July 1986 and was a member of the National War College Course 5. Other Academic credentials of Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh included a Diploma in Hydrographic Survey and Oceanography and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.


THESE laurels and awards prepared him to serve the Nation creditably in different capacities. For instance, he commanded NNS LANA the Nigeria Navy Survey Ship and carried NNS Erinomi for ECOMOG peace keeping operations in 1991 during which time he also acted as the Commander Naval Task Force and Chief of Naval Operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh also held a unique record of commanding three of the Navy operational bases namely Beecroft, NNS ANANSA and NNS OKEMINI, NNS Victory and NNS Pathfinder respectively. He was appointed Military Governor of the Old Imo State in 1986, which revealed his rare administrative acumen, courage and professionalism in handling state affairs. He built on the foundation laid by his predecessors in office and largely contributed to changing the Infrastructural development of Owerri, the state capital and other major towns and communities. Commodore Ikwechegh was also a recipient of the National Honour of Commander of the Order of Mono Republic of Togo in 1987. He was happily married to Nwamaka and BLESSED WITH Children. Commodore Amadi Guy Ikwechegh had a vision for the Nigerian Navy and made contributions that have had profound salutary effects on the Navy. Even after his retirement in 1999 he continued in the time honoured path of duty and selfless service to the nation. Burial arrangements RELEASED INDICATE THAT there will be a service of songs at his residence in Port Harcourt on Tuesday 15th December, 2009 by 6pm and a requiem mass at Mater Miscericodian Catholic Church, Rumuomasi Port Harcourt on Wednesday at 10 am.

The remains of Commodore Amadi Guy Ikwechegh will depart Port Harcourt on Thursday 17th Dec. 2009 for his home town Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State with flag stops at his Port Harcourt Residence, Multi Purpose hall, Owerri and Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. There will be a funeral service for the departed statesman at Igbere Secondary School Field before interment on Friday 18th December, 2009. The Nation will surely miss Amadi as a courageous, disciplined and professional Naval Officer and Administrator, who served his Fatherland WITH PATRIOTISM.

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