The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY on Tuesday organised a special outreach for Hephzibah Homes, Ibereko, Badagry, as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
Speaking during the event, the Commanding Officer, FOB BADAGRY, Navy Captain Sa’id Kabir said the initiative was designed to demonstrate the NN’s commitment to humanitarian service and social community responsibility.
Kabir said that the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary should not only celebrate the NN’s operational successes but also celebrate with its host communities. There is no better way than to bring smiles to children in the host community especially as Children’s Day is around the corner.
“In line with the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to protecting lives and properties as well as strengthening civil-military cooperation, the outreach programme was aimed at bringing relief and support to orphanage homes.
“This support is meant to give them hope for a brighter future and to remind them that their present circumstances do not define their tomorrow.
“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel loved, protected, educated, and empowered to dream without limits,” he said.
The commanding officer said that the items distributed to the children include rechargeable lights, pens, school bags, pencils, water bottles, notebooks and custom back-to-school packs.
According to the commanding officer, Nigeria’s future depends largely on the well-being of its children and young people.
” The more a child’s well-being is ensured through developing appropriate support systems, the more confident Nigeria can be for its future generations.
“A child who grows up in a supportive and secure environment is more likely to be able to cope well as an adult, to advance their standard of living, and to look after the older generation,” he said.
Kabir reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains committed not only to safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and national assets, but also contributing meaningfully to the welfare, peace and development of Nigerians.
He reassured residents of the continuous support and commitment of the Nigerian Navy towards the growth, progress, and well-being of the community.
Speaking, Mrs Chinyere Okafor, the Head, Care-Giver, Hephzibah homes, representing the Director, Mrs Konsit Eka, the Director of the homes, expressed profound appreciation to FOB BADAGRY for the laudable initiative.
She said some children in the homes were abandoned while some were brought to the home by social workers.
Okafor promised that the children in the homes would make judicious use of all the items given to them.
The teachers in the homes were given rechargeable lights and flasks while the children were given customised school bags which contained exercise books, pencils and biros.
