A Naval Legacy
Navy Commodore Agia Daniel Noafa, DSS, Psc.Psn, Fwc, was a highly decorated and respected naval officer whose contributions to the Nigerian Navy were significant.
Synopsis
Born in 1960 in Nembe, Bayelsa State, Agia Daniel Noafa’s career was marked by academic and professional excellence. Despite being denied promotion to Rear Admiral and retiring as a Navy Commodore in 2014, his legacy remains impactful. He passed away two years later in 2016.
Birth and Family
Birth/Parents:
Agia Daniel Noafa was born on January 8, 1960, into the family of Elder Ebinimi Daniel Noafa of Ogbolomabiri Nembe community and Madam Amuna Victor of Nembe-Bassambiri town, both in Bayelsa State.
Education
From a young age, Agia Daniel Noafa displayed exceptional academic prowess. His educational journey began at State School Nembe Bassambiri, where he earned a distinction in the First School Leaving Certificate exam. Driven by a desire to serve his country, he attended the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, achieving a Grade I distinction in his WAEC exams.
At the Nigerian Defense Academy, he was the best graduating officer cadet of the 25th Regular Course, earning prestigious awards. His education continued at the Royal Naval Engineering College in the UK, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering. His outstanding performance at the Pakistan Naval War College led to a B+ grade, a first for a Nigerian. Later, his research paper earned him a First Class degree in War Studies from the University of Punjab, Lahore.
Back in Nigeria, he excelled at the National War College, winning the Chief Naval Staff prize for best research paper. His academic journey culminated with an MSc in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
Career
Commodore Agia Daniel Noafa’s career was illustrious and varied:
- Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island
- Supervisor, Electrical Services (1992)
- Manager, Safety (2000)
- General Manager, Production (2008)
- General Manager, Planning (2009)
- Base Technical Officer, NNS OLOKUN (now BEECROFT) (1993)
- Assistant Director, Combat System, Defense Headquarters (1997)
- Head of Weapons Engineering, NNS ARADU (2001)
- Commander, Fleet Support Group (West) (2010)
- Director of Research and Development, Naval Headquarters (2011)
In 2010, he received a citation for exceptional performance in Naval Engineering at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Religious and Family Life
A dedicated member of the Baptist Church in Nembe-Bassambiri, Commodore Noafa was a loving and caring father to his four children. His commitment to his family was as profound as his dedication to his career.
His Last Days
Struggling with depression and other related illnesses, Commodore Agia Daniel Noafa was admitted to the Naval Hospital in Lagos. He passed away on January 13, 2016, at the age of 56 and was laid to rest in his hometown on March 19, 2016.
Commodore Agia Daniel Noafa’s life story is one of dedication, excellence, and service. He remains a beacon of inspiration within the Nigerian Navy and beyond.
