Again, death has silenced the cadence of the day with the quiet of the night. It has claimed the life of Rear Admiral Joseph Omozuwa Aikhomu (rtd),this morning. Admiral died of corona virus.

The highly-accomplished naval officer with years of meritorious service to his fatherland, who celebrated 65 year birthday recently, was also honoured with a traditional title by the Okaijesan of Esanland and Ojirrua of Irrua, HRH Ahlaji W.O. Momodu JP. A serially-decorated Admiral well-versed in maritime operations and logistics, with special reference to the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, Aikhomu’s wealth of experience traverses all facets of military and maritime services.

Very notable was his role in ensuring the conduct of patrols and operations in support of the peacetime and wartime roles of the Nigerian Navy, which led to a significant reduction in illegal bunkering, piracy and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Edo-born Admiral successfully controlled the once crime-ridden Calabar waters which hitherto, were unsafe for trans-border trade between Nigeria and some Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), especially Cameroon.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, the stellar Admiral distinguished himself as an achiever of note, from participating in the ECOMOG West Africa peacekeeping operation, to the United Nations Iraq–Kuwait Observation Mission.