The platinum anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as Naval Dockyard Limited donated educational materials and stationery to four community schools in Lagos.
The outreach formed part of activities lined up to commemorate 70 years of service by the Navy, with the intervention aimed at strengthening educational development within host communities.
The initiative was carried out on behalf of the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral I.E. Shehu, who was represented during the exercise by Commodore O.D. Ogbologu.
The delegation visited four schools, including Awoyaya Community School, Victoria Island Nursery and Primary School, Federal Housing Estate Nursery and Primary School and ANSAR UD DEEN School.
At each of the schools, naval officers were warmly received by management staff, teachers and pupils who expressed excitement over the visit and the educational support package.
The atmosphere during the engagements reflected appreciation and enthusiasm as the officers interacted freely with pupils across several classes, including Classroom 5, Classroom 2, Classroom 6 and Nursery 2.
Speaking during the visits, Commodore Ogbologu urged the pupils to remain committed to their studies and embrace discipline as a pathway to future success.
He stressed that dedication to learning and good character would position the children for greater opportunities and leadership roles in the future.
Ogbologu further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to community development, noting that the service remained focused on building stronger relationships with its host communities through impactful social interventions.
According to him, the Navy recognises education as a vital foundation for national growth and sustainable development.
The various headmistresses who received the delegation commended the Navy for extending its anniversary celebration beyond ceremonial activities to directly impact schools and young learners.
They described the donation as timely, adding that the stationery and educational materials would significantly support teaching and learning activities in their respective schools.
Some of the pupils could hardly hide their excitement as they received the items, with many expressing gratitude to the Navy for the unexpected gesture.
School administrators also praised Naval Dockyard Limited for demonstrating social responsibility and concern for the welfare of children within the communities hosting its operations.
The outreach once again underscored the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to combine its core responsibility of maritime security and national defence with meaningful investments in education and community development as the service marks 70 years of national service.