Nigerian Navy Marks 70th Anniversary by Launching Three Projects in Bayelsa

• FOB Escravos distributes bags, books to pupils in Delta riverine community

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, the ship NNS SOROH of the Central Naval Command officially launched three major projects in Bayelsa.

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Idi Abbas highlighted the significance of these projects in celebrating the Navy’s milestone.

The unveiled projects are the newly built Ratings Mess, the remodeled Administrative Block Extension, and the newly constructed Administrative Block.

In a related activity, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos, Delta State, visited the Aruton community in Ugborodo to conduct educational outreach and career talks as part of the 70th‑anniversary celebrations.

Students from Ikpere Primary School, Aruton in Warri South West Local Government Area gathered at the community hall to receive the Navy’s gifts, which also aimed to strengthen military‑civilian relations.

Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, representing the CNS at the event, stressed the importance of these projects in translating the Command’s vision into tangible results.

Vice Admiral Abbas acknowledged the Navy’s evolution into a regional maritime power over the past seven decades and emphasized the need to invest in the welfare and capacity of naval personnel to improve operational effectiveness.

He praised the leadership of the Central Naval Command and NNS SOROH for their commitment to enhancing the welfare of Navy personnel.

He said, “I have consistently emphasized that the human component is the most valuable asset of our fleet, and providing a conducive working and living environment is essential to enhance personal operational effectiveness.”

“This event carries profound symbolic weight. Over the past seven decades the Nigerian Navy has evolved from a small coastal force into a formidable regional maritime power.”

“Throughout our history every investment in the welfare and capacity of our personnel has directly yielded greater security on our waterways.”

“Thus demonstrating that infrastructural development is the bedrock of sustained operational development.”

Commodore Christian Akokota, Commanding Officer of NNS SOROH, expressed the symbolic importance of the projects for the ship’s officers and men.

He highlighted the projects’ role in creating a conducive working environment to boost operational efficiency in line with the CNS’s vision.

On his part, Navy Captain Arinzechukwu Kenneth Egwuatuonwu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, flagged off the educational outreach exercise, saying it was in appreciation of the support of the host communities in the FOB’s area of responsibility.

He said the outreach was a program meant to touch the hearts of 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 Executive Officer Commander Isiaku Isah Adamu, noted that the outreach was one of the ways the Navy seeks to reach out to 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 to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the Navy and host communities,” he added.

Captain Egwuatuonwu explained that Ikpere Primary School Ugborodo was selected in recognition of its contributions to the operational success of the Navy within its area of operation.

“It is believed that the conduct of this educational outreach will further bring the Navy closer to the populace, thereby improving the existing cooperation between the community and FOB Escravos.”

“Improved cooperation is crucial in achieving the objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to root out all forms of illegalities within the maritime environment of our 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.”

“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 potential,” 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 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 do not have books and bags, but the Nigerian Navy has made them happy,” she said.

Ugborodo community leader Mr. Jeffrey Amoya expressed appreciation to FOB Escravos for the love shown to the community.

“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.

A pupil, Miss Adedayo Ojamomi, a Primary Six student, thanked the Navy for putting smiles on 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.