By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Naval College 6th Regular Course “ONURA” Alumni Association, have called on Nigerians, corporate organisations and fellow military veterans to complement government efforts by mentoring and supporting vulnerable children.
They made the appeal on Saturday during an outreach to Abuja Children’s Home in Karu, where they donated food items and other relief materials in commemoration of their 41st Anniversary and Reunion celebration.
President of the association, retired Commodore Alex Nimyel, said the outreach was inspired by the oath of allegiance members of the course took when they joined the Nigerian Navy on July 8, 1985.
He said that, although they had retired after decades of meritorious service, but their commitment to serving Nigeria had not ended.
“We served our country to the best of our ability while in uniform. Today, we are continuing that service by giving back to the society and reaching out to children who need love, encouragement and support.
“This is only the beginning. We intend to continue this kind of outreach for years to come because service to humanity does not end with retirement,”he said.
Nimyel assured the children that they now had a larger family that would continue to identify with them beyond the day’s visit.
“From today, you will continue to see us. We are your fathers, your brothers, your sisters and your extended family.
“Study hard, remain disciplined and believe in yourselves because among you are future doctors, engineers, military officers, governors and even presidents of this country,”he told the children.
Also speaking, a member of the alumni, Rear Adm. Idowu Yusuf (rtd) said caring for vulnerable children is a collective responsibility that should not be left to government alone.
Yusuf stressed the need for wider support for the children, saying whatever they do could never be too much.
According to him, these children are Nigerians, and by helping them, we are helping our own children.
“We hope other organisations, veterans and well-meaning Nigerians will see what we have done, take a cue from it and also support vulnerable children.
“We cannot compel anyone to help, but we believe it is the right thing to do, and that is why we are here today.
“This will also be a continuous exercise. It may not be every year, but we will continue to come back periodically,”he said.
In her remarks, the Administrator of the orphanage, Mrs Queency Patrick, said the greatest value of the visit was not the food items or gifts presented to the children, but the physical presence of the retired military officers.
Patrick said that the orphanage required more than institutional support, stressing that every Nigerian had a role to play in raising children, who lacked parental care.
According to her, raising orphans and vulnerable children is not the responsibility of institutions alone, neither is it the responsibility of government alone, but of every Nigerians.
“I believe the strength of any nation should be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable people, those that cannot help themselves, whether they are children or the elderly,”she said.
Patrick narrated how a childhood encounter with a framed photograph of her aunt dressed as a lawyer inspired her ambition to study law, saying that exposing vulnerable children to positive role models could inspire them to pursue greater ambitions.
She urged the retired officers and other Nigerians not to limit their support to material donations, noting that children also need mentors, who can guide, encourage and inspire them to become responsible adults.
“Beyond the gifts and provisions, please give us something even more valuable—your time, your mentorship and your presence.
“If you come here any day and say, I want to mentor a child, help with homework or simply encourage one of them, our doors are always open.
“It is your guidance, affection and encouragement that will help ensure these children grow into responsible citizens, instead of becoming problems for the society,”she said.
Patrick disclosed that some former residents of the home had gone on to build successful careers, including one serving in the Nigerian Army and another working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
She said that they regularly returned to encourage younger children at the home, demonstrating the lasting impact of mentorship and sustained support.
She described the retired naval officers’ visit as a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness and consistent mentorship could change the trajectory of vulnerable children’s lives.
Patrick expressed optimism that more Nigerians, especially professionals, veterans and corporate organisations, would emulate the gesture by investing their time, knowledge and experience in the next generation.
For the retired officers, the visit marked another chapter in their lifelong commitment to national service.
For the children, it was a day they met men and women, whose stories, encouragement and promise to return may shape their dreams long after the donated items have been consumed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso