By Isaiah Eka
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a fully furnished six-classroom block in honour of Rear Adm. Sunday Atakpa, an indigene of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The six-classroom block, furnished with writing desks, staff room, sickbay and canteen, is part of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project (CNS-SIQIPS) designed to honour senior naval officers.
The CNS, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, inaugurated the project on Friday at the Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, and said it was also part of the Navy’s contribution to education advancement.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to supporting community development through impactful interventions.
He said that CNS-SIQIPS was launched in 2024 to facilitate the attainment of the Navy’s civil-military cooperation mandate while contributing to the ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers.
“This is an indication that beyond physically securing lives and property, we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways,” Abbas said.
He noted that the project reflected the Navy’s dedication to fostering civil-military cooperation and contributing to national development.
In his remarks, the Project Facilitator, Rear Adm. Sunday Atakpa, said the project was conceived to support the Federal Government’s efforts in improving educational infrastructure and providing a conducive learning environment to students.
Atakpa said that education remained a critical pillar of national development, adding that the renovated and furnished facilities would enhance teaching and learning in the school.
He appreciated the CNS for approving the project and urged the school management, students, and host community to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Okon Tom, expressed profound appreciation to the CNS and the project facilitator for the laudable initiative.
He described the project as a significant contribution to the advancement of education in Akwa Ibom.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the inspection of the facilities, goodwill messages, and presentation of souvenirs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
