By Olayemi Esan
More than three decades after tragedy struck on the waterfront of the then Nigerian Naval College in Onne, Rivers State, the memories of 11 young Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Naval Cadets who lost their lives during a routine training exercise have been immortalised in stone.
On Saturday, 5 July 2026, silence, solemn reflection and military honours defined the atmosphere at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, unveiled a cenotaph and laid wreaths in honour of the fallen members of the 41 Regular Course.
For many in attendance, it was not simply the unveiling of a monument. It was the fulfilment of a promise that the Armed Forces of Nigeria never forgets its own.
The ceremony brought together senior military officers, serving personnel, veterans, families of the deceased cadets and members of the 41 Regular Course, all united by a shared commitment to preserve the memory of young men whose ambitions of serving Nigeria were tragically cut short on 23 July 1990.
A Tragedy That Shaped a Generation
The accident remains one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s military training history.
Twenty-three first-year NDA Naval Cadets were undergoing a routine boat-handling exercise when their training boat collided with a stationary jetty before capsizing. Eleven cadets lost their lives, while others survived to continue careers that would later shape the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Among those survivors was Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Standing before the newly unveiled cenotaph, the Chief of Army Staff spoke not merely as the head of the Nigerian Army but as a coursemate remembering friends whose lives ended before they had the opportunity to wear their country’s uniform as commissioned officers. His address reflected deep personal emotion, recalling the hopes, aspirations and patriotism of young cadets who had answered the nation’s call to serve.
Beyond Stone and Concrete
For the military, memorials are far more than architectural structures. They represent institutional memory, preserving the stories of courage and sacrifice while reminding every generation of soldiers, sailors and airmen that service to the nation often comes at a great personal cost.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described remembrance as a strategic military tradition that strengthens esprit de corps, promotes institutional continuity and reinforces the values upon which professional armed forces are built.
According to him, the cenotaph is not simply a monument to lives lost but a symbol of honour, courage, discipline and unwavering commitment to Nigeria. Its presence within the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School ensures that every young recruit who passes through the institution will encounter the story of the 11 cadets whose sacrifice has become part of the Armed Forces’ enduring heritage.
A Promise to Families
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the ceremony came when the Chief of Army Staff addressed the families of the deceased. He assured them that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would never allow the memories of their loved ones to fade into history.
Their names, he said, are permanently engraved not only on the cenotaph but also in the history of the Nigerian military and in the hearts of those who trained alongside them. For parents, siblings and relatives who have carried the pain of loss for 36 years, those words represented more than official condolences. They reaffirmed that the nation continues to recognise the enormous sacrifice made by families whose children answered the call to military service.
Strengthening Military Heritage
The Nigerian Navy also reaffirmed the importance of institutional remembrance during the event.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman described the cenotaph as a sacred memorial dedicated to officers who paid the supreme sacrifice during training.
He said the monument provides serving personnel and visitors with a place for reflection while ensuring that future generations understand the price often paid in preparing to defend the nation.
His remarks reinforced the shared commitment between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy to preserve military history and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lessons Beyond the Parade Ground
Military traditions around the world recognise remembrance as an essential element of professional service. From national memorials to regimental monuments, such symbols serve to educate, inspire and strengthen morale.
The Onne cenotaph now assumes that role within Nigeria’s Armed Forces. It reminds every cadet that military service demands courage long before combat, discipline long before command and sacrifice long before recognition. It also demonstrates that every life committed to national service carries lasting value, whether lost in battle, peacekeeping operations or military training.
Preserving the Legacy
As wreaths were laid and prayers offered, the ceremony became more than an act of remembrance. It reaffirmed the enduring values that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria—honour, loyalty, courage, discipline and selfless service. For the families, the monument offers comfort that their loved ones remain part of the nation’s history.
For the military, it strengthens the bond between generations of officers. For Nigeria, it serves as a reminder that behind every military uniform is a story of sacrifice worthy of remembrance.
The dreams of the 11 young NDA Naval Cadets ended on the waters of Onne in July 1990, but through the cenotaph unveiled by Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, their legacy will continue to inspire generations of servicemen and women committed to protecting Nigeria’s peace, unity and sovereignty.
Their story, now etched in stone, will endure as long as the nation remembers those who gave everything before their journey in uniform had truly begun.
