COURSES ATTENDED

   On completion of his cadet training at NDA in 1981 as a naval cadet, he was appointed onboard NNS RUWAN YARO for a period of 6 months before his promotion to the rank of Midshipman. The Midshipman period was designed for a period of 1 year training divided into two phases; the first phase was spent onboard the then Flagship, NNS OBUMA, while his remaining 6 months were onboard the present Flagship of the Nigerian Navy (NN). He was fortunate to be appointed onboard ARADU as the ship was billed for her guarantee refit in Western Germany.  On return from the guarantee refit in December 1982, he sat for the Midshipman promotion board which is a prerequisite for commissioning to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant. He was subsequently commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in January 1983.      After commissioning he was appointed NNS OGUTA which was based at Calabar for Watch keeping duties. His stay onboard was short as he was nominated after about 4 months to attend the Sub-Technical Course in India. This course was for a period of 9 months. Gabriel has held several appointments ashore and afloat after this course.  Some of these appointments include, Watch Keeping Officer in various classes of NN ships; Cadet Training Officer onboard NNS RUWAN YARO, Staff Officer Grade 2 in-charge of Officers records at Naval Headquarters, Instructor Underwater Warfare School, Military Observer UNIKOM, and Staff Officer Grade 1 Underwater Warfare at Naval Headquarters, Directing Staff (Junior and Senior Divisions) Command and Staff College (CSC). After his 2 years stint at CSC, he was appointed Staff Officer 1 (Navy) to the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD). During this period he acted on several occasions as the Principal Staff Officer to HMOD. It was after 2 years in this office that he was nominated as the Deputy Defence Attaché (Navy) Washington, DC USA in February 2002. His appointment as DDA (Navy) was to say the least very eventful as he was given the task of coordinating the transfer of United States Coast Guard Cutters to the NN. Before his departure 4 BALSAM Class Cutters were transferred to the services of the NN. In addition, he had the singular honour to inspect the construction of 15 Defender Class Response Boats and 4 Nightcat Interceptor Boats. All these vessels are presently being used for patrols by the NN.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

 On his return from Washington, he was appointed the Commanding Officer NNS LANA, the hydrographic ship of the NN on 22 August 2005. On 6 January 2006, he was appointed Western Naval Command Operations Officer in addition to his command of NNS LANA. This additional appointment was to help in the preparations towards the hosting of International Presidential Fleet Review to commemorate NN Golden Jubilee. He held this additional appointment until July 2006 when he reverted to his original appointment of Commanding Officer NNS LANA. Other appointments held by the senior officer include, Director of Naval Intelligence, Directing Staff, NDC, Director Research and Analytical Studies, NDC and Chief Staff Officer Naval Logistics Command before his present appointment. Okoi had attended several courses and also had the opportunity to embark on self educational improvement. The courses attended amongst others include; Young Officers Intelligence Course, Tego Barracks, Lagos (1989), Junior Division, Jaji (1990), Anti-Submarine Warfare Specialist Qualification and General Warfare Courses (1991-1992) NNS QUORRA, Lagos, Instructional Technique Course (1992) NNS QUORRA,  Senior Division (1995-1996) Jaji and National War College Course 15, Abuja(2006-2007). As regards the self educational improvement, he took the advantage of being the DDA (Navy) to self sponsor himself at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC where he obtained a Graduate Certificate on National Security Affairs in 2004

AWARDS & DECORATIONS

Okoi is a Life Member of the US Naval Institute, Annapolis, a member of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and also a member of the Royal Institute of Navigation. He is a recipient of the Forces Service Star (FSS)  the Meritorious Service Star (MSS) and the Defence Services Star (DSS). He was recently awarded the Degree of Officer by the US Secretary of Defence and the Secretary of US Navy.

 

HOBBIES & MARITAL STATUS

Gabriel is married to Ekaette Okoi and the marriage is blessed with 3 children; 2 boys and a girl. His hobbies amongst others include driving, watching films, Squash and recently, Golf.