The Nigerian Navy has initiated an educational outreach program in Rivers State as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, urging youths to avoid illegal oil refining and other criminal activities.
Outreach Details
The event, conducted on Friday by Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, involved distributing educational supplies to schools in host communities. Items included customized exercise books, textbooks, pens, rulers, pencils, erasers, whiteboards, markers, footballs, and other sports equipment.
Beneficiary schools included Nigerian Navy Primary School Borokiri, Nigerian Navy Primary School Pathfinder, and Community Primary School Mgbuodohia.
Commander's Remarks
Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, represented by First Lieutenant Commander Hassan Yahaya, stated that the initiative aims to support education and steer young people away from crime. He emphasized that the Navy decided to assist schools in its operational areas as part of corporate social responsibility.
“We visited three schools within our areas of responsibility to distribute educational materials as our small contribution to supporting students' education,” he said.
The program also seeks to discourage youths from engaging in illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, and other activities harmful to the nation's economy. “The goal is to support education and redirect young people’s focus toward learning and productive ventures for a better society,” Raji added.
He noted that the gesture aims to strengthen civil-military relations with host communities and urged students to remain focused on their education, avoiding criminal activities that could jeopardize their future. “We are committed to protecting national assets and safeguarding the maritime domain in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s mandate,” he said.
School Officials' Response
Head Teacher of Community Primary School Mgbuodohia, Mrs. Nwobo Salome, commended the Navy for the intervention, stating that the donated materials would enhance learning and ease financial burdens on parents. Head teachers of other benefiting schools assured fair distribution and proper use of the items.
On behalf of pupils, Head Girl of Nigerian Navy Primary School Pathfinder, Victoria Tanee, expressed gratitude, saying the materials would significantly improve learning at the schools.
