The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has conducted free educational outreach to schoolchildren in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, and headquarters of the command.
The educational outreach, which attracted children from selected schools in Calabar, was part of activities lined up for the celebration of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
It featured the distribution of educational materials, oral kits and hygiene products to the children and lectures on topical health issues surrounding children, especially teenagers.
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The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, who was represented at the occasion by the Commander Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, Surgeon Commodore Ahmadu Mohammed, kicked off the exercise.
In his opening remarks, the FOC’s representative noted that the Navy has served the people and secured Nigeria’s maritime domain as well as contributed greatly to national security for 70 years.
According to Commodore Mohammed, “the Nigerian Navy has contributed to economic prosperity and national development”, noting “it is pertinent to note that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, believes that true national development begins with education and wellbeing of our youngsters.
“This is the reason the special educational outreach was incorporated into the activities marking the platinum jubilee. It would interest you to know that this event is ongoing simultaneously across all units of the Nigerian Navy in the country,” he stated.
Providing more insight for the educational rhapsody, the Commodore said, “The Chief of Naval Staff believes education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world through sustainable development,” urging the children to avoid doing actions that would endanger their future.
Investing in the Future
Also speaking to the children, the Eastern Naval Command Education Officer, Navy Captain Odo, described the event as a demonstration of the “Nigerian Navy’s enduring commitment to national development, human capacity building and civil military cooperation.”
Navy Captain Odo explained that the outreach was a reflection of the navy’s resolve to invest in the future of the nation through education and health care outreaches.
He maintained that the Nigerian Navy has demonstrated 70 unbroken years of service since its inception, “discharging its constitutional responsibility by defending the territorial integrity and maritime interest of Nigeria.
“Beyond safeguarding our waters, the Nigerian Navy has continued to extend humanitarian support and community development initiatives to Nigerians across the country,” he further said.
On behalf of the schools, one of the principals, Mrs Grace Inyang, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the gesture and promised to ensure the students use the materials provided and the knowledge acquired judiciously.
Highlights of the health talks by medical officers and ratings from the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital were on physical and oral hygiene, sexual orientation and drug addiction, including a session to entertain questions from the students.
