The Nigerian Navy has described Cdr. Datoru Abi-Kalio, who died in?the DANA air crash of June 3 in Lagos, as a dedicated naval officer and a shining star.
Cdr. Henry Babalola, Command Operations Officer, Western Naval Command, Apapa, said this on Friday in?his tribute to Abi-Kalio.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Abi-Kalio would be buried on Saturday at his home town in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Abi-Kalio was indeed one of the most reliable workhorses of the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “ Babalola said.
Babalola said that?the deceased assisted in formulating policies that assisted the Navy and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that the late officer represented the Navy at various conferences, workshops, symposia and at numerous committees set up at Naval Headquarters, Defence Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence.
“To all of these tasks, he exhibited the highest level of professionalism in line with global best practices.
“He was indeed our ‘man Friday’; Datoru boarded the ill-fated Dana flight of June 3, 2012, and he was coming to Lagos for an official assignment.
“Like a loyal compatriot and good family man, he called his beloved wife, Nkechi and other colleagues, “ he said.
He prayed God to grant him eternal rest, and promised?that his friends and colleagues would continue to pray for and support the family he left behind.
“Rest in peace, my brother, my friend,?Abi-Kalio was indeed a good man, sailor, compatriot and the finest specimen of a naval officer, “ Babalola said.(NAN)