The Nigerian Navy, through the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Quick Impact Project Scheme, has commissioned the renovation of eight blocks of classrooms, a solar-powered borehole, toilet facilities and drainage infrastructure at Group School 1, Igbainwari, Opokuma Central, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The project was undertaken in honour of the community’s son, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Abraham Zipele, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, who hails from Igbainwari.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas AM, was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman D. Ibrahim, while the Special Guest of Honour was the Commander, Operation Delta Safe South South, Rear Admiral O.B.F. Oladipo.
In his welcome address, the Facilitator of the project and Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral E.A. Zipele, expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation objectives.
Rear Admiral Zipele noted that the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Quick Impact Project Scheme was conceived to impact lives and uplift communities. He explained that the deplorable condition of the school prompted him to initiate the intervention to give the institution a new lease of life.
According to him, the renovated school would not only improve the standard of education in the community but also provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils. He appealed to members of the community to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim emphasized that civil-military cooperation initiatives such as the project contribute significantly to national development. He added that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its core security mandate.
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He stressed the importance of improving schools, particularly in rural communities, as a critical component of developing the nation’s educational sector.
The Special Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral O.B.F. Oladipo, commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for the quick intervention, noting that the project would significantly benefit both the pupils and the wider community.
He also urged members of the community to continue providing useful information to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies within their areas of responsibility to enhance security.
Under the intervention, the eight blocks of classrooms were completely renovated and fitted with new marker boards, while the nursery classrooms were equipped with instructional materials to support early childhood learning.
A drainage system was also constructed to mitigate the perennial flooding that has affected the school compound.
In addition, a solar-powered borehole and toilet facilities were provided to improve water supply and sanitation. The water supply was extended to nearby villagers, thereby providing an additional benefit to the wider community.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, PhD; Rear Admiral W.D. Yanga (Rtd); and Engr. Olise Kemenabo.
The people of the community attended the ceremony in large numbers and expressed excitement over what they described as a significant transformation of the school and a new chapter of development for the community.
The Paramount Ruler and Amananowei of Igbainwari, His Royal Highness Christopher J. Alagha, praised the Chief of the Naval Staff for honouring their son with the project. He described the intervention as a “life project” that would contribute to the continued growth and development of the community.
Also present were retired Rear Admirals from Bayelsa State and other retired senior military officers from the state.
The event featured colourful traditional dances and presentations by pupils of the school, adding a cultural dimension to the commissioning ceremony.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the representatives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Special Guest of Honour, the Amananowei of Igbainwari and other distinguished guests.
