Ex – Naval Boss Who Led Initiative For Nigeria’s Foremost Maritime Strategy Is Dead

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Patrick Seubo Koshoni is dead.

Koshoni died at the age of 77 on January 25 after a brief illness, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Navy Director of Information, Suleman Dahun.

Part of the statement read: “During his tenure as the Chief of the Naval Staff, he led initiatives for the articulation of Nigeria’s foremost maritime strategy; the Nigerian Navy Trident Strategy and helped to institutionalise the Presidential Fleet Review, Manpower Rationalization for the Service and the Chief of Naval Staff’s Annual Conference, which has continued to serve as a veritable platform for strategic engagement and policy review.

“Born in Lagos on 11 April 1943, Vice Admiral Koshoni (rtd) joined the Nigerian Navy on the 11 June 1962 after a secondary school education at St Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos. That same year he started the naval cadetship training at the National Defence Training Academy in India and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 13 July 1964.

“Admiral Koshoni (rtd) attended many naval, management and leadership courses and headed many naval and military appointments, committees and task forces. He served the nation meritoriously as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and as Honourable Ministers of Health, Transport and Aviation as well as Labour and Productivity. He was a member of the Supreme Military and Federal Executive Councils from January 1984 – August 1985.

“On retirement from Service, the indefatigable Admiral also served as the Chairman National Internal Security Organization (defunct National Guard).

“He is survived by his wife Margaret Aderoju Koshoni, children and several grandchildren. Necessary arrangements for his burial is being concluded in liaison with his family and a firm programme will be communicated in due course.” The statement concluded.