Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has received the first-ever Girls Model Secondary School in Onna Local Government Area donated by the Akwa Ibom Government for the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Girls Secondary School.
Gambo, who received the Model Secondary School on behalf of the Nigerian Navy in Awa Ubium, Onna on Friday, said the event was a testimony to the state government’s quality education for the Akwa Ibom people.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, NSS Jubilee, Commodore Semiu Olubode-Fazaz, the CNS said the proposed Nigerian Navy Girls Secondary School would provide opportunities for young Nigerians to draw the roadmap for future development in different fields of endeavours.
“Today is yet another memorable and historic moment in furtherance of the partnership between the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom, particularly the Onna community and the Nigerian Navy.
“It is therefore my sincere prayer that, as the Nigerian Navy takes over the school today.
“It is expected that the objective of taking over the school would be achieved in the nearest future,” Gambo said.
Gambo said that the Akwa Ibom government has now provided the Nigerian Navy with two secondary schools, the first being the Nigerian Navy military school located at Ikot Ntuen Community in Oruk Anam LGA.
He added that the Nigerian Navy had been positioned to provide future military and professional leaders with the necessary tools to aid decision-making in the face of complex challenges.
The Chief of the Naval Staff commended Gov. Udom Emmanuel and the entire good people of Akwa Ibom for their unflinching support and cooperation with the Nigerian Navy.
In his remarks, Gov. Emmanuel said the day marked another milestone in the history of educational advancement in Akwa Ibom.
Emmanuel, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, said that the prosperity and quality of any Nation would be determined by today’s children and their ability to solve problems they faced in their individual lives, families, communities, state and the nation.
“This facility is our asset and must be protected. Therefore, we expect maximum cooperation from the community and other stakeholders in nurturing it to an enviable status.
“Let us join hands to maintain this school while also cooperating with the Nigerian Navy, who by this event have become our community members and partners in progress,” Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel commended all stakeholders for their support of all government education campaigns in the past years and urged them not to relent.
The Village Head of Awa Iman, Ette Idung, Ubong Adiaha-Akpan, said that the community would provide a very peaceful environment to the Nigerian Navy.
“We promise the Nigerian Navy Secondary School our support and cooperation when they resume by Sept,” he said.