The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a block of four classrooms in Orhueren Central School, Ozalla Community, Owan West Local Government Area in Edo.
The fully furnished facilities unveiled on Tuesday, was part of the ongoing Nigerian Navy’s “Special Intervention Quick Impact Project”.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, said that the project was part of the ongoing civil-military cooperations.
Abbas was represented by Rear Adm. Abiodun Alade, the Flag Officer Commanding, Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta.
He said that the special intervention scheme was inaugurated in 2024 to facilitate the attainment of the re-invigorated Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperations mandate.
He added that the essence of the scheme was to contribute to the ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Traditionally and indeed globally, civil-military cooperations encompasses those activities and interactions between the military and civil society. The aim is for the accomplishments of missions and military strategic objectives.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers. It is an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, Navy is committed to serving the interest of Nigerians through other means.
“Not only do this project resonates with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, it aptly captures the essence for the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project of the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
Abbas said that the project undertaken by Rear Adm. James Okosun of Ozalla Community, was yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperations annal.
The naval chief commended Okosun for siting the project in his community and expressed hope that the facilitator and indeed, the Nigerian Navy, would not be hurriedly forgotten.
While enjoining the beneficiaries to make good use of the facilities, Abbas expressed hope that the project would enhance the quality of lives and educational status in the community.
He, however, appealed to the Ozalla Community and the Edo residents to continue to support the Navy, Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agencies in the quest to eliminate threats to collective well-being of the people.
Earlier, Okosun said the Navy looked at what was the key requirement to ensure the youth of today remembered them tomorrow.
“We looked at education as one key aspect. Initially, we thought of going to the secondary school, unfortunately the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial zone had already started a project there.
“It was on that basis we came back to the palace and the palace directed us to this primary school,” he said.
Okosun said that the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project was a way of enhancing the kinetic efforts of the military in reducing insecurity in the country.
He expressed hope that the fully furnished facilities would be put into good use and by implication, enhance the learning standard of the pupils.
In his goodwill message, the King of Ozalla Community, Christopher Atietie, Okpamen XI, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the project.
The traditional ruler was represented by his Spokesman, Dr Obaze Osumah.
Also speaking, Mr Ohimai Elijah, the Councillor representing Ozalla Ward One, Okosun urged others in the community to emulate him.
On her part, the Head Teacher of Orhueren Central School, Mrs Iboi Elizabeth, thanked the Nigerian Navy and promised that the project would be judiciously utilised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, naval personnel, traditional chiefs, clerics and community residents were in attendance.
