Defence
THE Nigerian Navy has organised an educational outreach in commemoration of it’s platinum anniversary to promote education and discipline in a host community.
The outreach was done at the Byazhin Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice adm. Idi Abbas represented by Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, commandant of the Naval Base Abuja in remark described this outreach as timely one, as it aligned closely to children’s day.
Abbas said that Byazhin was chosen for the outreach this year because the Nigerian Navy highy values the contributions of it’s host communities over the years of which the Byazhin community is one of the foremost.
“We are here today to renew the hope of the pupils of LEA School Byazhin,our future leaders and the next generation.
“This is because the Nigerian Navy prioritizes education as a foundation for development and a catalyst for innovation,” he said.
Abbas briefed the pupils on the history of the Nigerian Navy, recounting the force’s growth from 1956 to the formidable force it is today. He described the Navy as a guard for Nigerian waters.
He urged the pupils to learn from key values fom the Nigerian Navy including discipline, neatness, obedience, punctuality, courage, teamwork and most importantly, patriotism which he defined as love for one’s country.
“Just as soldiers protect the land, the Navy protects the waters. Nigeria has a very long coastline and ships bring food, cars, medicine, and other things to our country through the sea. This makes the the sea and the Navy very important to Nigeria.
“The Navy stops pirates and illegal fishing so that our fishermen can catch fish for us to eat. We also aid in emergencies like during flooding in riverine areas by using boats rescue people and carry food and water to them.
“The Navy makes Nigeria proud. We work with other countries to keep the whole Gulf of Guinea peaceful and safe,” he said.
He likened the Navy to a grandparent who has worked hard for 70 years to protect and charged the pupils to study and do their best so that they could may become Navy officers, doctors, engineers, or teachers.
“The educational materials distributed today are just a token to support the learning journey of pupils who fall within our host community.
“It is hoped that this will foster greater interest in the Nigerian Navy and towards a brighter and rewarding future” he said.
The Head Teacher of LEA Byazhin, Mrs Tabitha Solomon in her remarks appreciated the Nigerian Navy for selecting the school as the beneficiary of the outreach, adding that it has brought joy to her and her students.
“We are so grateful, God in his infinite mercy will bless the Nigerian Navy. I can see my pupils, they are happily sitted and on behalf of the students and all the teacher, I want to thank you, we really needed this.
“And after this outreach, it is our prayer that we will get Navy officers out of these children,” she said.
Solomon thanked the Navy for the items and wished the force another 70 years of success and large achievements.
The Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr Joshua Ishaku, represented by the speaker Dogara Jacob also appreciated the Nigerian Navy for choosing to celebrate to celebrate it’s 70th anniversary in their ward and in their school.
“We are delighted with this kind gesture you have brought before us, we do not take it for granted. We count ourselves priveledged to have this opportunity in FCT, we are much grateful.
“I am not a security personnel, but our children here tomorrow will become security personnel by the grace of God,” he said.
Ishaku said that outreach will go a long way in aiding the school as it needs attention in other aspects including infrastructure, adding that the LGA can not do it alone and requires assistance which the Navy has provided today.
He also drew their attention to the kidnapping and baditry security challenges in the country, urging them to continue to strive to make the country safer and more conducive for learning for the children.
The head boy of LEA Byazhin, Nwamba Micha’al also appreciated the Nigerian Navy for selecting the school to benefit from the outreach, saying that these gifts given to them will aid them in their studies.
The head girl, Blessing Iorerebe in the same vein also commended the Nigerian Navy for the educational outreach initiative, adding that today reinforced her motivation to continue to study and excel in her academics.
Abigail Okoh, another beneficiary of the outreach also thanked the Nigerian Navy for remembering them. She said the materials will help her in her studies and make reading easier and more efficient for her.
While speaking with newsmen on the sidelines after the outreach, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo said the Nigerian Navy is proud to celebrate it’s 70th anniversary, and this outreach is one of the activities lined up to commemorate.
“70 years starts from somewhere, there is a history but there is also a future, these children are the future. They’re the ones that will take over the leadership of the future. We’re here to sow into them and invest in them,” he said.(NAN)
Tags: Abuja Navy