Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a demonstration of corporate social responsibility, the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder has distributed educational materials to primary schools in Rumuorlumeni Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The donation, which includes thousands of exercise books, white chalks, maths set, story books, whiteboard markers, drawing books, and other educational tools, was presented to the pupils of Community Primary School, Mgbuodohia, Community Primary School Nkpor, and Community Primary School Mgbuosimini.
Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, emphasized the importance of education and the Navy’s commitment to supporting the development of its host communities.
Igbo noted that the donation was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s mandate to enhance education in communities where naval establishments are located.
“Today, we are supplying these three schools with educational materials. This is one of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, mandate to enhance education in the communities where Naval establishments are located, and Rumuolumeni is one of the Navy’s host communities.
“Rumuorlumeni kingdom has had a robust relationship with the Nigerian Navy. That is why we’re here to further enhance the cordial relationship by presenting these educational materials to the pupils.”
The NNS Pathfinder boss added that aside from their primary task of securing and defending the nation’s territorial waters and national assets, the Navy was committed to the development of its host communities through corporate social responsibilities.
Addressing the pupils, he said, “This is to further enhance your educational pursuit because as children you’re the leaders of tomorrow. We know that education is very important and this is the right time to enhance the success story you will have tomorrow. So, it is the wish of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy that our children will have a brighter future.”
The paramount ruler of Rumuorlumeni Kingdom, HRH, Engr. Victor Okocha, expressed gratitude to the NNS Pathfinder for their support to public schools in his kingdom, acknowledging the challenges facing Nigeria’s educational system and the need for collective effort to promote education.
Okocha regretted that the educational system in Nigeria at the moment was suffering, with most children dropping out of school because they are not getting enough needed support.
“Last year, it was reported that Nigeria has over 20 million out-of-school children. Some of the reasons why Nigeria is in this situation is because there is less or not much support for education. Education is a preparatory ground for the future. Whatever it is that should be done to promote education needs to be done, we are also going to do our part in supporting these schools.
“So, on behalf of the good people of Rumuolumeni kingdom and the pupils, we express our gratitude to the Navy, especially the CNS and NNS Pathfinder Commander for this initiative,” the Monarch said.
Receiving the educational materials at Community Primary School, Nkpor, the Head Teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Onyenegecha, said the pupils will never forget the impact of the Navy’s intervention in the school, while calling for more donations.
“Most of these children come to school without learning materials, so with these donations, they will never forget the Nigerian Navy. We also have other areas of need, hence we need you to do more. However, for this one you’ve provided already, we say thank you, and may God bless the Nigerian Navy.”
