By Kennedy Sheyin
The Naval Base Abuja has extended support to pupils of LEA Primary School, Byazhin, Kubwa, with educational materials as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The outreach, held on Tuesday in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underscores the Navy’s commitment to promoting education, discipline, and community development in its host communities.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, Naval Base Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, said the initiative was timely as it coincided with the Children’s Day celebration.
He noted that the Byazhin community was deliberately selected in recognition of its longstanding relationship with the Navy.
“We are here to renew the hope of these pupils, who represent the next generation of leaders. The Navy places high value on education as a foundation for national development and innovation,” Oladipo said.
The commander also took the pupils through a brief history of the Nigerian Navy, highlighting its evolution since 1956 into a formidable maritime force safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.
He described the Navy as a critical institution that protects Nigeria’s coastline, facilitates maritime trade, combats piracy and illegal fishing, and provides humanitarian support during emergencies such as flooding.
Oladipo urged the pupils to imbibe core naval values including discipline, punctuality, teamwork, courage, and patriotism.
“The Navy makes Nigeria proud. We work with other countries to keep the Gulf of Guinea safe. You must study hard and aspire to become future leaders—whether as naval officers, doctors, engineers, or teachers,” he said.
He added that the items distributed were meant to support the pupils’ academic journey and inspire greater interest in the Navy.
In her remarks, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Tabitha Solomon, expressed gratitude to the Navy for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
“We are sincerely grateful. This support has brought joy to both staff and pupils. We hope to see some of these children grow into naval officers in the future,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr Joshua Ishaku, represented by the Speaker, Dogara Jacob, commended the Navy for extending its anniversary celebration to the community.
He described the outreach as a welcome intervention, noting that the school required additional support, particularly in infrastructure.
“The council cannot do it alone. We appreciate the Navy’s support and urge continued efforts to make the country safer for our children to learn and thrive,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Head Boy Nwamba Micha’al and Head Girl Blessing Iorerebe, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the materials would enhance their studies and motivate them to excel academically.
Another pupil, Abigail Okoh, also thanked the Navy for remembering the school.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, Oladipo said the outreach was one of several activities lined up to commemorate the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
“Seventy years is a milestone that speaks to our past and our future. These children are the future, and we are investing in them so they can take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.
NAN reports that items distributed included notebooks, school bags, pencils, erasers, and rulers. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker
