The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a One hundred and twenty bed female student hostel at the NOWA Secondary School Calabar in Cross River State, headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.
The accommodation complex, a storey building consisting of twelve large rooms, which has the capacity for, at least, ten double bunks each, was built by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association, NOWA.
NOWA also built a hall with the capacity to accommodate more than 350 students and teachers.
The projects were commissioned by the special guest of honour, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff in the company of the incumbent NOWA President Nana Aisha Gambo, his wife.
Milestone achievement
The CNS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Perry Onwuzulike, the Fleet Commander, Headquarters Eastern Fleet, commended NOWA for contributing to the growth of education in Nigeria.
Gambo described the projects as “milestone achievements for NOWA Secondary School Calabar. Indeed, you have all achieved a remarkable feat and I must say that I am highly impressed.
“I must commend the outgone NOWA President and the incumbent for this achievement. In putting up these beautiful structures that would serve as hostel and school hall, NOWA has not only lifted NOWA Secondary School Calabar, but has lived up to its corporate social responsibility for which the association is noted for.
“I am also convinced that students, parents, staff and school authority, who are the immediate beneficiaries of these projects would forever be grateful to NOWA,” stated the CNS.
He used the opportunity to thank the education stakeholders in Cross River State, especially Governor Ben Ayade and the community leaders for maintaining a peaceful and serene environment, which has attracted such investments.
Addressing needs
Earlier in her address of welcome, Dr. Theresa Ibas, the outgone President of the association and who started the project, thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo for enabling NOWA complete the building.
Ibas stated that the newly built hostel and hall were to address the accommodation and space problems in the secondary school.
According to Ibas, “this event is another opportunity to reinforce our posturing as an association committed to the well-being of naval families and the society in general.
“The students enrolment strength signaled the need for more facilities and as such it became necessary to embark on the projects to ensure that the learning environment was improved by easing the accommodation need of our students.
“So, within the limited resources at NOWA’s disposal, the 12 room storey building was hostel and the school hall were built. It is pertinent to mention that NOWA would not have gone far in her achievements without the support of the Nigerian Navy,” Ibas further said.
She reiterated the commitment of the association to achieving its set objectives and urged the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo to continue to support NOWA.
Highlight of the ceremony was the planting of trees by the NOWA executives and representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, while students presented Nigerian cultural dances to guests and friends in attendance.Pictures below:
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