The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a renovated public primary school in Okpoma, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to improve education and strengthen its relationship with local communities.
The intervention was carried out under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme. The project was championed by Rear Admiral E.A. Zipele, an indigene of Okpoma, who identified the need to improve educational infrastructure in his community.
The renovated school includes three blocks containing eight classrooms, staff and administrative offices, toilet facilities and other essential infrastructure.
In addition to the school renovation, the project also provided a solar-powered borehole and a drainage system. The borehole is expected to improve access to clean and reliable water for pupils and teachers, while also benefiting residents living around the school.
The drainage system is designed to help address flooding within the school premises, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for teaching and learning.
Navy Says Education Is Key to Community Development
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy recognised the importance of empowering communities as part of efforts to promote national development.
According to him, improving public primary education is an important way of supporting socio-economic development.
He noted that the renovated facilities would provide pupils and teachers with a more conducive environment for learning.
The naval representative also explained that the solar-powered borehole would provide potable water for pupils, school staff and residents in the surrounding community.
He urged members of the community to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the newly provided facilities so that they can continue to serve future generations.
Project Strengthens Civil-Military Cooperation
The Navy described the intervention as part of a special quick-impact initiative introduced in 2024 to strengthen civil-military cooperation and support the welfare of Nigerians.
The initiative is also intended to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through projects that directly address important community needs.
Rear Admiral Zipele was commended for identifying the educational challenges facing his community and using resources provided through the intervention scheme to address them.
The Navy said his contribution demonstrated the importance of leadership that creates a positive impact at the grassroots level.
Community Expected to Benefit from Improved Facilities
The completed project is expected to improve the overall learning environment for pupils at the primary school while addressing some of the challenges associated with inadequate infrastructure, limited access to potable water and flooding.
The Nigerian Navy also appealed to residents of Bayelsa State to continue supporting and cooperating with the Navy, other branches of the Armed Forces and security agencies.
The Navy expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, contractors and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities across Nigeria on initiatives that promote education, peace, security, social cohesion and national development.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral O.B.F. Oladipo, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries.
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