Nigerian Navy at 70: FOB Escravos Distributes Bags and Books to Students in Delta Riverine Community

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos, Delta State, held an educational outreach and career talks event in the Ugborodo community on Tuesday as part of its celebrations of the Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Students from Ikpere Primary School, located in Aruton in Warri South West Local Government Area, gathered at the community hall to receive the Navy’s gifts, an initiative also aimed at strengthening military‑civilian ties.

FOB Escravos Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Arinzechukwu Kenneth Egwuatuonwu, opened the event by expressing gratitude for the support of the host communities within the FOB’s area of responsibility.

He said the outreach was designed to touch the hearts of the children, adding: “It gives me great pleasure, joy and honour to be with them to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations.”

Captain Egwuatuonwu, accompanied by the base’s Executive Officer, Commander Isiaku Isah Adamu, explained that the outreach is one way the Navy seeks to engage communities and invest in the future of “our children.”

“The conduct of the educational outreach, the civil‑military cooperation initiative by the Nigerian Navy is aimed at winning the hearts and minds of host communities towards strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and host communities,” he said.

He noted that Ikpere Primary School was chosen in recognition of its contributions to the Navy’s operational success in the area.

“It is believed that the conduct of this educational outreach will further bring the Nigerian Navy closer to the populace thereby improving the existing cooperation between the community and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos,” he added. “It is expected that improved cooperation is crucial in achieving the objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), to root out all forms of illegalities within the maritime environment of our dear nation,” he added.

Captain Egwuatuonwu said that for 70 years the Nigerian Navy has remained committed to protecting the nation’s territorial waters and serving the country.

“Beyond our duty of securing the maritime environment, we also recognise the importance of supporting education and community development, so we are presenting school bags and books to our young pupils,” he said. “We believe that education is a powerful tool for building a brighter future and every child deserves encouragement and support to learn to succeed. Dear pupils, these bags and books are not just items; they represent opportunity, hope and our belief in your potentials,” he added.

The Naval Chief urged the pupils to study hard, remain disciplined, respect their teachers and parents, and always strive for excellence, adding: “For you people are the future leaders of our great nation.”

Head Teacher Mrs. Ogunfeyimi Bola of Ikpere Primary School thanked the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos for the gifts to the pupils.

“We really appreciate the Nigerian Navy for the love that they have shown to our children. We are happy and grateful. Many learners don’t have books and bags but the Nigerian Navy has made them happy,” she said.

Ugborodo community leader Mr. Jeffrey Amoya also expressed appreciation for the Navy’s continued support.

“This is not the first time; they have always been coming to the community to show love for the children in Ugborodo community,” he added.

Primary Six pupil Miss Adedayo Ojamomi, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Navy for bringing smiles to their faces.

“On behalf of our school, I want to say a very big thank you to the Nigerian Navy, the Commanding Officer and other personnel. We promise to do our best. God bless the Nigerian Navy, Onwards Together,” she added.