Retired military officers of the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to national service by reaching out to vulnerable children at an orphanage in Abuja, pledging continued mentorship and support beyond material donations.
President of the association, retired Commodore Alex Nimyel, said the outreach was inspired by the oath of allegiance members of their course took upon joining the Nigerian Navy on July 8, 1985. He noted that although they had retired from active service, their dedication to serving the nation remained unwavering.
“We served our country to the best of our ability while in uniform. Today, we are continuing that service by giving back to society and reaching out to children who need love, encouragement and support,” Nimyel said.
He assured the children that they had gained an extended family committed to their growth and success, encouraging them to remain disciplined, study hard, and aspire to become future leaders of Nigeria.
Read Also: Nigerian Navy Officers Visit NIMASA to Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration
Also speaking, Rear Admiral Idowu Yusuf (rtd) stressed that caring for orphaned and vulnerable children is a shared responsibility that should not be left to government alone. He called on individuals, organisations, veterans and other well-meaning Nigerians to support children in need through sustained acts of kindness.
Administrator of the orphanage, Mrs. Queency Patrick, described the visit as deeply impactful, noting that the officers’ physical presence and willingness to mentor the children were even more valuable than the donated items.
She urged professionals and community leaders to invest their time, guidance and experience in shaping the future of vulnerable children, emphasizing that mentorship can transform lives and inspire children to pursue meaningful careers.
Patrick revealed that several former residents of the orphanage have gone on to build successful careers, including serving in the Nigerian Army and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), demonstrating the lasting impact of care and mentorship.
The visit highlighted the enduring spirit of service among the retired naval officers and underscored the importance of compassion, mentorship and collective responsibility in building a brighter future for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.
