Army donates multi-million-naira educational materials to 287 pupils in Bayelsa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Yenago on Wednesday donated educational materials worth millions of naira to 287 pupils in Ekeremor Local Government Area to commemorate the 2022 Nigerian Army Day.

Items donated by the security outfit are notebooks, textbooks, pencils, calendars, crayons, and alphabetical picture books among others.

The Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, and 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 on July 6 every year in honour of members of the Nigerian Army, especially those who took part in World Wars 1 & 2.

He said th3 celebration was also to celebrate 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 with the theme, ‘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 Bayelsa, 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 the Chief of Army Staff 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,” Awolo said.

Awolo also sought the cooperation and collaboration of stakeholders including the state government and people of various communities to boost the security of lives and property of the citizens of the state.

Responding to the gesture, King Oyaseiye Moses, the Amananowei of Ayamasa Federated Community, commended the Nigerian Army for the donation to the school within his precinct.

Moses said: “We are so appreciative. This is the first time we have seen this type of gesture.

“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 gesture.”

The Headmaster, Ayamasa Community Primary School, Mr Ibokeme George, expressed gratitude to the Army for the educational materials.

“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 instructed by General Awolo,” Moses stated.

The Senior Prefect, Abaide Bake, and Head Girl, Ebkegbe Rejoice, thanked the Nigerian Army for coming to their aid and promised that the pupils would utilise the books judiciously.