Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured the incoming Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, of continued government support and cooperation, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and take the institution to greater heights.

Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while receiving outgoing commandant Commodore Babatunde Quadri and welcoming Onu during a courtesy visit to his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

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The governor commended Quadri for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to security and institutional development during his 19-month tour of duty in the state.

Addressing the incoming commandant, Otti encouraged him to approach his new assignment with a determination to improve on the progress already recorded.

He said, “All we expect is that you will even do better, like he (outgoing Commandant) has played. As a great man, he wants you to surpass him.

Small minds want their successors to do worse, but bright minds want their successors to do better.”

Otti further assured Onu that the state government would extend the same level of cooperation enjoyed by his predecessor, emphasising that the success of the Nigerian Navy in Abia would also benefit the state and the country.

“You can count on the same support we gave him. You can take it for granted that we will also give you so much support so that you can do well,” the governor said.

He also encouraged the new commandant to maintain regular communication with the state government, particularly where government intervention might be necessary.

Otti stressed that maintaining security required a collective approach involving all security agencies, adding that effective cooperation and information sharing remained essential to sustaining peace and stability.

The governor also acknowledged Quadri’s contributions to the state’s security architecture, particularly his participation in the monthly Security Council meetings, which bring together relevant security agencies to assess developments and strengthen responses to emerging challenges.

Earlier, Quadri expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government for its cooperation and support throughout his 19-month assignment.

He also introduced Onu as his successor, marking the transition in leadership at the naval institution.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commander MacDonald Uba, explained that Quadri’s departure followed the Nigerian Navy’s posting tradition, under which senior officers generally serve between 18 and 24 months in a particular assignment.

In his response, Onu thanked the governor for the warm reception and pledged to sustain the achievements recorded during Quadri’s tenure.

The leadership transition comes against the backdrop of an expanding partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Navy, particularly in security cooperation, institutional development and community engagement.

On October 26, 2026, Otti joined the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, to commission four infrastructure projects at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerrinta.

The projects included improved internal roads, a resurfaced parade ground, a reconstructed swimming pool and accommodation facilities for junior officers.

The development was part of broader efforts to improve the college’s training environment and personnel welfare, with the state government providing equipment, machinery and technical support for some of the works.

The Chief of the Naval Staff subsequently commended Otti’s administration for its contribution, describing the partnership as important to effective training, personnel welfare and operational efficiency.

The Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance plays an important role in developing the financial and administrative capabilities of naval personnel.

According to the institution, its responsibilities include specialised training for officers and ratings in the Navy’s Accounts and Budget Branch, alongside approved diploma programmes in accountancy, business administration and office technology management.

The change of command therefore presents an opportunity to consolidate the institution’s recent progress while strengthening its relationship with the host state.

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Otti’s assurance of continued cooperation also signals the administration’s intention to maintain institutional partnerships as part of its wider security strategy, with the incoming commandant expected to sustain the existing relationship and build on the foundation established by his predecessor.