….As Chief of Naval Staff Restates Commitment to Fostering Civil-Military Relations in Communities
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas says the Nigerian Navy is committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote national development and social cohesion.
He stated this while inaugurating renovated three blocks of eight classrooms, drilled solar powered borehole water facility, construction of drainage system and conveniences at Group School One, Igbainwari at Opokuma community in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The projects executed by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele were part of the Special Quick Impact Intervention Scheme initiated by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas said the Nigerian Navy recognizes that the security and prosperity of the nation are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful development.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, the Chief of the Naval Staff stated that this understanding guides the Navy’s Civil-Military Relations efforts, hence the creation of the Special Intervention Quick Impact Schemes which intends to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people.
Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, South-South, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo who was special guest at the event said the inauguration of the projects was a watershed in the history of the Nigeria Navy which would improve the standard of education in the community.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command, NAVTRAC, Ebubu-Eleme, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele said he decided to execute the project in his hometown to give back to the community in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Quick Impact Project Scheme.
In the Meantime, the people of Opokuma town are in joyous mood following the renovation and rehabilitation works at Group School One, Igbainwari in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by the Nigerian Navy.
The project which comprises three blocks of eight classrooms, drilled solar powered borehole water facility, construction of drainage system, staff and headmistress offices, as well as conveniences was executed by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command, Ebube-Eleme, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele as part of the Special Intervention Quick Impact Scheme initiated by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas in Twenty-twenty-four to boost Civil-Military Relations and honour senior officers.
The Ibenanaowei of Opokuma Kingdom, King Aranka Botua Collins, the Opokun the fifth praised Rear Admiral Zipele and the Navy for revamping the school founded in 1913.
The Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Limited, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, himself an old pupil of the School said the gesture would change the fortunes of the institution and community for the better.
Head Mistress of Group School One, Igbainwari Roseline Odogwu noted that with the renovation, pupils and teachers now have a conducive environment for learning and teaching.
The facilitator of the project Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command, Ebube-Eleme, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele said he chose the school because his father attended the institution in 1966 shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War and the poor state of the school which has produced many prominent persons from Opokuma clan.
The occasion was attended by a cast of dignitaries including several retired military officers from Kolokuma-Opokuma often considered as the land of Generals.
Highlights of the event were cultural display and traditional dance by pupils of Group School One, Igbainwari , Opokuma to convey their gratitude to the Rear Admiral and the Naval Authorities for the gesture.
