The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a renovated primary school in Okpoma, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to deepen civil-military relations and promote community development.

The intervention, carried out under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme, was executed by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dipele, an indigene of the community.

The project involved the renovation of three blocks comprising eight classrooms, staff and administrative offices, toilet facilities and other school infrastructure. It also included the construction of a drainage system and installation of a solar-powered borehole to provide potable water.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibe Abbas, said the Navy considered community development an important component of national security.

He said strengthening communities and improving access to essential services would contribute to a more secure and prosperous society.

Ibrahim said the project was intended to address some of the community’s pressing needs while creating a stronger relationship between the military and residents.

He noted that improving public primary education remained crucial to socio-economic development, adding that the renovated facilities would provide pupils and teachers with a better environment for learning.

According to him, the solar-powered borehole would supply water to pupils, teachers and nearby residents, while the drainage system would help tackle recurring flooding within the school premises.

He urged members of the community to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities and protecting them from damage to ensure they serve future generations.

The naval representative commended Rear Admiral Dipele for identifying the educational needs of his community and deploying resources from the intervention scheme to address them.

He described Dipele’s initiative as an example of leadership focused on creating tangible benefits for the people.

The Navy said the quick intervention programme was introduced in 2024 to strengthen its civil-military cooperation efforts and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It added that the initiative reflected the Navy’s broader role in contributing to the welfare and development of communities, beyond its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

The project was undertaken following Dipele’s efforts to improve the quality of public primary education in his hometown.

The renovated school is expected to provide pupils with improved learning facilities, increase access to clean water and reduce the impact of flooding on the school environment.

The Navy also urged residents of Bayelsa State to continue cooperating with the Nigerian Navy, other military formations and security agencies in promoting peace and security.

Ibrahim thanked the Bayelsa State Government, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Council, traditional institutions, community leaders, contractors and other stakeholders who contributed to the completion of the project.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to working with communities across the country on initiatives that promote peace, social cohesion, security and national development.

The commissioning was attended by senior naval officers, including the Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral O.B.F. Oladipo, as well as traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries.