Nigerian Navy modernises Lagos Model School classroom blocks, provides water treatment plant

The Nigerian Navy Western Naval Command has renovated two blocks of 12 classrooms and provided a water treatment plant at the Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School, Achakpo Ajegunle, as part of efforts in impacting communities within its environment.

Appreciating the navy for the kind gesture, Head Teacher of the School, Mrs. Theresa Nwagbogwu, said the completed project would indeed impact positively on the academic life of the school.

She particularly thanked the navy for the choice of her school as she promised to ensure a proper maintenance culture of the infrastructure.

Her words: “Our deepest appreciation to the Naval Command. To say we are overwhelmed with your generosity is an understatement, in view of finding time and resources at your disposal for the completion of the school building architecture in the following areas: Repairs of the dilapidated room, ceiling and toilet, painting of the entire perimeter fence, external and internal painting of 2 blocks of 12 classrooms, replacement of classroom doors and windows/louvers, provision of water tank stand, sinking of borehole and provision of water treatment plant.

“We are gathered here to witness the unveiling of the above completed Project made possible by the Naval Command, in order to provide a favourable learning environment for our children in their pursuit of academic excellence.

“Once again, thank you for being a wonderful friend and contributor to one of the schools in Lagos State. Without mincing words, one of the honours and joys of our academic life has been our association with you. We will surely handle these buildings with utmost care.”

Giving his remarks, the Command Transformation Officer, Commodore Bassey Duke, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, said: “You will agree with me that government alone cannot carry all of our responsibilities considering the dwindling and scarce resources in the midst of so many challenges in our nation.”

Based on this, the Nigerian Navy thought it wise and in accordance with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directives 2021-05 under the leadership of the Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility at LSMNPS. Thus, the Nigerian Navy Authority mandated its establishments and units to impact their immediate environs and communities.

In that vein, the Western Naval Command led by Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, identified and carried out renovation of the Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School at Achakpo Ajegunle.

The Nigerian Navy has become remarkable in contributing her quota to societal development through civil military relationship in areas such as health care services, sporting events and education services aside its major role of protecting the territorial waters.

Speaking further, Commodore Duke disclosed that the project was the second to be carried out in Lagos, just as he charged parents to give quality time to supporting their children in their academic journeys.

“It is pertinent to state that this school will be the second that will be benefiting of such intervention from the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Lagos State, the first being one of the Navy own Nursery and Primary Schools. In this School, I have so much conviction and encouragement that great and mighty people, who will stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers anytime and anywhere, will come out of here.

“Before I hand over, I will like to conclude by making an appeal to all parents and guardians to get involved in the education of our children and wards. Please help them with homework, visit their schools without notice,” Duke said.

Also speaking, Mr. Adebayo Adefuye, Permanent Board Member, Special Projects, SUBEB, representing the Chairman of SUBEB, commended the effort of the Western Naval Command in remordenising the school.

His words: “When you go out of your way to produce a favourable environment for teaching and learning, it is always highly commendable. The children are our future, and the better the environment created for them to learn, the better their learning outcomes. So, this is very commendable.

I didn’t know the Navy does social responsibility; but I commend them, and ask them to keep it up. We encourage them to do more. We appreciate this. I implore the head teacher, teachers, parents, and pupils to take ownership, and not allow the building to deteriorate. They should maintain its value, and our children will continue to learn in a friendly environment.”