Over 500 pupils and students have benefited from distribution of educational materials and stationeries sponsored by the Navy Out Post (NOP) in Idah local government area of Kogi state.
The distribution of the materials was carried out under the aegies of 2024 Operation Delta Sanity III of the Nigerian Navy.
Performing the symbolic presentation of the items to the pupils and students at Qua-Iboh primary school in Idah, the Commanding Officer NOP , Commander Nelson Oyagha, described education as the foundation upon which a bright future is built.
According to him, education play a pivotal role through which young minds are moulded into leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
“We believe that every child deserves the best tools and opportunities to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. It is in this light that the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral E.I Ogalla, through a non-kinetic approach reach out to the host community Idah as well as one of the roles of Operation Delta Sanity III.
“The gifts we present today are not just materials or supplies. They represent our partnership with this community. These tools will serve as a means to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation among the students as well as the pupils here present.
“These children we believe are the future of this country. In Idah community there is challenges of flooding and by distributing educational materials such as school sandals, exercise books , writing pens , mathematical sets, water bottles to the pupils and students will no doubt assist them in their studies.
“As officers and men of the Navy, we know firsthand the value of discipline, hard work, and determination. These are the same values that education instills in young minds.
“We hope that with these contributions, students will feel motivated to strive for excellence, and that teachers will be better equipped to nurture and guide them on their academic journey.
“To the students here today, remember that education is your gateway to a brighter future. Embrace it, work hard, and never stop believing in your potential. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of knowledge, skill and wisdom are worth every effort you make.
“To the teachers, we salute your dedication. You are the pillars of this community, shaping the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. We encourage you to continue the great work you are doing and know that your efforts have our deepest respect and support” the Commanding Officer said.
The Commanding Officer NOP Idah charged those living along riverine areas to move up land for the sake of their lives and property, warning that the water level has started rising in the last few days.
In his remark, the education secretary Idah local government area Michael Omale commended Navy for supporting education sector in the community and urged other organizations in Idah to emulate Navy in rendering corporate social responsibility to their host communities.
“I am using this medium to challenge other organizations in Idah especially banks to emulate the kind gesture of the Nigerian Navy. The banks are profit oriented therefore they should come out and render their Corporate Social Responsibility to their host community” he stated.
Lieutenant Peter Issac Ogbe who presented talks on flood awareness cautioned children and their parents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage system to avoid blockage of water channels that can contribute to flood disaster.
The benefitted schools are; Qua-Iboh primary school, Saint Boniface, Lydia James Ogagi NGO school, UEC Fellowship school, UEC Inachalo primary school, Bishop Crowder memorial college, UEC model secondary school, Victory Group of schools, A-Rahman Islamic model academy and Unique Baptist school all in Idah.
