By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has conferred the Distinguished Citizens Service Award on Ibrahim Baba-Inna, a retired lieutenant commander of the Nigerian Navy, in recognition of his meritorious service and sustained commitment to veterans’ welfare and national development.

The award was presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration Remembrance Day Gala and Award Nite in Abuja.

The award was in recognition Baba-Inna’s efforts in translating years of disciplined naval service into impactful post-retirement advocacy through the Ibrahim Baba-Inna (IBI) Foundation and its Veterans Outreach Initiative (VOI).

Baba-Inna served with distinction in the Nigerian Navy, where he was noted for professionalism, integrity and dedication to duty. After retirement, he identified gaps in post-service care for veterans and established the VOI to support retired personnel and families of fallen heroes.

Under the initiative, he mobilised institutional support from the Navy and the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, delivering welfare packages to hundreds of veterans nationwide. His signature Gift Boxes of Appreciation programme has become a symbol of national gratitude to retired service members.

Beyond welfare, the VOI has focused on economic reintegration, facilitating partnerships with the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to help veterans transition into ICT, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The organisers also highlighted Baba-Inna’s broader humanitarian interventions through the IBI Foundation, including food support to vulnerable Nigerians, describing them as a continuation of a life devoted to service.

In his remarks, Baba-Inna dedicated the award to veterans and fallen heroes, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that retirement marks “a renewed mission of national contribution, not an end to service.”

The award, the government said, underscores its resolve to recognise citizens whose service—both in uniform and beyond—strengthens national cohesion and honours the sacrifices of the Armed Forces. END