By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS SOROH) under the auspices of the Central Naval Command, as the activities to commemorate the 70th Anniversary, has on Monday, donated educational materials to Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, (BDGS) Yenagoa, in Bayelsa.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding, (FOC) Central Naval Command, (CNC ) Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim, stated that the Nigerian Navy is delighted to celebrate it’s 70th Anniversary coincidentally BDGS is also 70, to also promote cooperation with the host community.
Ibrahim, represented by the Chief Staff Officer CNC, Rear Adm. Vincent Gbaranwi, urged the students to abstain from drugs, alcohol and other strong substance because it will destroy their future.
According to him: “I want to believe that what you have received today you will make good use of it for the future or your self and for this great country called Nigeria.
“I want to commend the Bayelsa Government for the support they have been given to the Nigerian Navy, we promise to do more to ensure that Bayelsa is safe in the area of our responsible,” he said.
On his part, the Commanding Officer Nigerian Naval Ship Soroh, Commodore Christian Akokota, said the event is one of the series to celebrate Nigerian Navy 70th anniversary.
Also to consolidate on their efforts towards enhancing military relationship with schools and agencies within their area of operation.
According to him: “I am pleased to tell you that Nigerian Navy is ranked 22nd globally and first in Africa according to 2026 global fire power agents, these are testament to the achievement of the service over the years.
“I will like to state that the choice of this school is not by accident it was by your exampliary performance of the recently concluded robotics completion were you were ranked second.
“We will be donating three sets of desktop computers and 242 textbook to enhance your educational pursuit,” he said,” he said.
Also speaking the Commissioner for Education Hon Gentle Emelah, said he is pleased to see the military interact with schools to tell you that the military is part the society.
Emelah, was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Mr Simon Okene, said the iterms given by the Navy cut across the academic sector and all the students will benefit from it.
He noted that students should see Navy as a career, adding that the books are for study not to be kept in library, they should get what is required out of the books.
The Principal of BDGS Mrs Beauty Asamaowei, said the visit of the Nigerian Navy will leave a legacy for the students, most of them will see Navy as a career.