Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a number of rehabilitated and newly constructed facilities at group school 1, Igbainwari, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to improve education and living conditions in its host communities.
The facilities, executed under the Chief of Naval Staff’s special intervention quick impact project scheme, include an eight-classroom block, library, headmaster’s office, teachers’ quarters, solar-powered industrial borehole, drainage system, toilets and electrification of the school.
The projects were inaugurated on Monday at Group School 1, Igbainwari, in the presence of community leaders, military personnel, teachers and residents,the project facilitator and an indigene of the community, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, described the intervention as part of the Nigerian navy’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities.
Zipele commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and uplifting communities, which he said informed the establishment of the Quick impact project scheme.
He explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen the relationship between the Navy and communities that had supported its operations over the years.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the school would not only improve the standard of education but also provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He said the idea behind the project is simple yet profound: by giving back to the communities that have supported the Nigerian Navy over the years, we strengthen the bond between security agents and the people they protect.”
Zipele added that the installation of the solar-powered borehole and construction of the drainage system were aimed at addressing the challenges of inadequate water supply and perennial flooding experienced by the school during the rainy season.
“The installation of the solar-powered borehole and the construction of a drainage system in the school were executed to provide access to potable water, as well as combat the perennial flooding experienced in the school during the rainy season,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Yenagoa Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said civilmilitary cooperation initiatives were critical to national development.
Abbas said the intervention was in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its traditional responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
He stressed the importance of improving educational infrastructure, particularly in rural communities, saying the renovation of the school would positively impact the lives of residents of Opokuma clan and the wider community.
The CNS assured the people that the Nigerian Navy remained committed to contributing to the socio-economic development of its host communities and the country at large.
Also speaking, the special guest of honour and Commander, Operation Delta safe, South-South, rear admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, commended the chief of the Naval Staff for the intervention.
Oladipo said the projects would benefit both pupils and residents of Igbainwari, urging the community to continue supporting the Navy and other security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities within their areas.
In her remarks, the Headmistress of Group School 1, Igbainwari, Mrs Roseline Odoguw, expressed appreciation to the project facilitator and the chief of the naval staff for the intervention.
She said the upgraded facilities would create a better learning environment for pupils and improve the overall quality of education in the community.
The intervention is expected to enhance learning conditions, improve access to water and sanitation and reduce the impact of flooding on the school community.
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