The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder has donated educational materials to three primary schools in the Rumuorlumeni kingdom, Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State, on Tuesday.
The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, while distributing the materials during the Free Education Rhapsody Exercise as part of the non-kinetic activities to kick start Operation DELTA SANITY 2, said the initiative aims to support the educational development of the children in their host community, adding that the initiative was in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The educational materials which include over 9,500 exercise and drawing books and other writing tools were distributed to the pupils of Community Primary School, Mgbuodohia, Community Primary School Nkpor and Community Primary School Mgbuosimini all in Rumuorlumeni kingdom.
Commodore Igbo emphasized that the Nigerian Navy acknowledges the significance of education, particularly among youths and children, who are the future leaders of Nigeria.
He stressed that education is a crucial factor in a nation’s growth and development, stressing that it is important to invest in the intellectual and personal growth of the young generation.
He noted that a nation that neglects the education of its youth will hinder its progress and development. By supporting education, he said, the Nigerian Navy aims to contribute to the success of the next generation and the prosperity of the country.
“Today, we are supplying these three schools with educational materials. This is one of the Chief of Naval Staff’s mandates to enhance education in the communities where the naval establishment is, and Rumuolumeni is one of the host communities where we are today presenting this educational material to the pupils.
“We know that education is very important to the growth of any nation and this is the right time to be part of the success you all will have tomorrow. A country that does not take the education of its population seriously, especially the young ones, will not progress.
“So, it is the wish of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy that our children will have a brighter future,” he said
Commodore Igbo emphasized that the Navy’s commitment extends beyond their primary responsibility of securing lives and government assets in their operational areas.
They are also dedicated to the comprehensive development of their host communities through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals who engaged in criminal activities, urging them to renounce their ways and embrace a life of responsibility.
“Our mandate goes beyond providing security; we are also investing in the development and well-being of our host communities. To those involved in criminal activities, we urge you to abandon your harmful ways and adopt a path of righteousness, or face the consequences.” he warned.
However, the paramount ruler of Rumuorlumeni kingdom, His Royal Highness, Engr. Victor Woji-Okocha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Commodore Desmond Igbo and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder for their kind gesture in supporting the education of their children.
He acknowledged the provision of educational materials to schools in the kingdom, stating that it is a timely intervention in an era where the Nigerian educational system is facing challenges.
He lamented that many children are forced to drop out of school due to a lack of necessary support, and appreciated the Navy’s efforts in bridging this gap.
“Last year, I did a study and I found out that Nigeria is battling with a high number of out-of-school children, it is over twenty million.
“Some of the reasons why Nigeria is in that situation is because there is less or not much support for education. So, on behalf of the good people of Rumuolumeni kingdom and the pupils, we express our gratitude to the Navy, especially the NNS Pathfinder for this kind gesture.” he said.
The Monarch however called for more support from the government, institutions and stakeholders to promote education in the society.
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