Commodore Datoru Abi-Kalio’s death in the ill-fated June 3 Dana plane crash was a rude awakening of the mortality of a human being irrespective of his character, goodwill, hardwork, highest level of professionalism, selflessness, compassion and an exemplary service to his fatherland. Datoru possessed and exhibited these sterling qualities as a friend, brother, family man, loyal, committed, well trained and thorough bred senior officer and gentleman. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom took him away that fateful day. We are indeed mere mortals that cannot question the Almighty.
I had a close relationship with Datoru. We were “Port Harcourt boys” before becoming friends. We were friends before becoming professional colleagues, family friends and compatriots in the Nigerian Navy. Datoru was indeed one of the most reliable workhorses of the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Datoru joined the Nigerian Navy as a member of the Second Regular Course of the Nigerian Naval College, ‘ONURA’ Port Harcourt. Although I was his senior colleague, we developed a friendship that transcended seniority, ethnicity, religion and creed. Even as a cadet then, he exhibited the highest standard of discipline, eagerness to learn, compassion and an uncanny ability to rally his colleagues for the accomplishment of assigned tasks. These sterling qualities were faithfully exhibited in virtually all the appointments and ranks he held and attained until he became a Commodore; a One Star General! As Director of Combat, Policy and Tactics, in the Naval Headquarters, Datoru was indeed, the engine room of the training and Operations Branch. He assisted in formulating policies that assisted the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He represented the Nigerian 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. 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 also called our ‘Sunday group’, the Lagoon Bar faithfuls, comprising of military and civilian friends to intimate us of his coming to Lagos and the need for a grand house reception. In line with his request and our over twenty five years of unbroken comradeship, we converged at our usual place to give a befitting welcome to an amiable friend. We were very wrong. It is pertinent to note that about six weeks to the ill-fated crash, Datoru was involved in a road traffic accident on his way to Lagos after an official assignment in Warri. Typical of Datoru, that incident did not deter him from diligently taking another Committee work. Datoru was indeed an officer and gentleman in the strictest sense. He traversed all phases of military assignments as a student, instructor, navigator, gunner, Directing Staff, Chief Instructor, Commanding Officer of Ship, Director in the Naval headquarters Name it! As a young officer, he served diligently in the Niger Delta area and despite being a ‘Port Harcourt boy’ there was no adverse report on him. All he got were accolades from superiors and the numerous civil organizations that he was deployed to serve. As an Instructor in the Nigerian Navy Professional Schools and as a Directing Staff in the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, he taught and mentored a group of young officers of the armed forces, turning them to thoroughbred professionals who looked up to him as a mentor. Datoru served meritoriously in these training institutions and earned accolades in the process. He was indeed, the quintessential teacher, tutor, instructor mentor and a perfect officer and gentleman.
To Nkechi, his adorable wife and companion, I say, do not weep. Be consoled by the character, high level of professionalism, courage and commitment of this gallant hero. I know that Datoru’s character and impeccable honesty and commitment would open doors for you. To his children, do not weep. Be consoled by the exemplary conduct of your father and emulate these sterling qualities. I know that God will meet you at every point of need. To his nuclear family, the people of kalioama, our ‘Port Harcourt boys’ the Government and people of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Officers ratings and civilian staff of the Nigerian Navy, especially gentlemen officers of the Second Regular Course of the Nigerian Naval College, ONURA, be consoled that a gentleman called Datoru passed through this world and bestrode it like a colossus. He was indeed our shining star, a dedicated naval officer, a good family man, a committed and loyal friend and above all, our pride. May God give us all, the fortitude to bear this tragic loss.
As his remains are committed to mother earth today, I wish Datoru a blissful rest and I pray that God will ensure that his friends and colleagues will continue to pray for, and support the family he left behind. Rest in peace, my brother. My friend, Datoru was indeed a good man, sailor, compatriot and the finest specimen of a naval officer.
