ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, YENAGOA
The Nigerian Army, through its 16 Brigade in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has donated educational materials worth millions of naira to 287 pupils in the Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The Army said the donation was part of the activities to commemorate the 2022 Nigerian Army Day celebrated on July 6 every year.
The items donated by the security outfit were notebooks, textbooks, pencils, and calendars carrying alphabetical write-ups, among others.
The Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 2 Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier-General Olurotimi Awolo, presented the educational materials to the management and pupils of Ayamasa Community Primary School, Ekeremor.
He said the event is held every year in honour of members of the Nigerian Army, especially those who took part in World Wars 1 & 2 as well as those who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War and those currently serving in the Army.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, entitled, ‘Repositioning the Nigeria Army in Joint Environment A Panacea for Security Challenges’, Awolo said this year’s celebration marked the Nigerian Army’s 159 years of existence.
He said following the establishment of the 16 Brigade in Yenagoa, the Army had continually enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the people of the state.
He noted that it was in appreciation of that support and in fulfilment of the directives of Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya, that the educational materials were donated to the school.
“The donation of the educational materials is a part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day celebration 2022,” the commander stated.
Awolo also solicited the cooperation and collaboration of stakeholders in Bayelsa State including the government and people of various communities in order to boost the security of lives and property of the citizens of the state.
Responding to the gesture, King Oyaseiye Moses, the Amananaowei of Ayamasa Federated Community, commended the Nigerian Army for the donation to the school within his precinct.
King Moses said: “We are so appreciative. This is the first time we have seen this type of gesture and ceremony.
“I never knew Nigeria Army could present educational materials to the school. If they can continue to do that, I think Nigeria is going to move forward. The promotion the Army has given to the community is highly impressive and commendable. Thank you for this noble gesture.”
The Headmaster, Ayamasa Community Primary School, Mr Ibokeme George, expressed gratitude to the Army for the presentation of the educational materials, saying the school would utilise them well.
“These educational materials by the special grace of God will be used for the promotion of our future leaders. The educational materials will be effectively used as being instructed by General Awolo,” Moses asserted.
The Senior Prefect of ACPS, Abaide Bake, and the Head Girl, Ebkegbe Rejoice, thanked the Nigerian Army for coming to the school’s aid and promised that the pupils would make use of the materials very well.