- Nigerian Navy celebrates 70th anniversary with outreach in Ilara-Epe
- Naval Base Epe distributes educational materials and mosquito nets
- Navy highlights community security efforts and water support intervention
Pupils, parents, teachers, and residents of Epe gathered at Universal Primary Education (UPE) School, Ilara-Epe, on Thursday as the Nigerian Navy Naval Base Epe organized an educational and medical outreach programme to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the outreach programme attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, naval officers, stakeholders, and dignitaries who commended the initiative aimed at supporting education, healthcare, and community development within the area.
Traditional rulers present at the event included representatives of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olukoya Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, who was represented by the Ikeji Ilu of Ilara Kingdom and the Otun of Ilara Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, the Ikeji Ilu of Ilara Kingdom appreciated the Nigerian Navy and Naval Base Epe for extending the outreach programme to the community.
He described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that the programme would positively support pupils, parents, and teachers within Ilara Kingdom.
According to him, the continuous partnership between the Nigerian Navy and host communities reflects genuine concern for the welfare and development of the people, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and security.
Speaking during the event, the Commander of Naval Base Epe, Navy Captain LD Deyin, stated that the programme formed part of the Navy’s commitment to humanitarian service and civil-military cooperation.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy remains committed not only to safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and national assets but also to contributing meaningfully to the welfare and development of host communities.
“It is in recognition of the importance of education and healthcare that Naval Base Epe organizes educational support programmes and medical rhapsodies across communities within its area of responsibility,” he said.
The naval commander disclosed that the outreach was designed to provide free educational and healthcare support to pupils and families within Ilara and surrounding communities.
As part of the intervention, Naval Base Epe distributed 1,000 customized exercise books, 150 school bags, writing materials, and 200 treated mosquito nets to pupils, parents, and teachers.
Captain Deyin also noted that the Naval Base has continued to support the Ilara community through other interventions beyond the outreach programme, including assistance with water supply systems within the area.
He further explained that personnel of the Naval Base remain committed to the security of the community through regular patrol operations carried out both day and night.
According to him, the Navy’s midnight patrol operations around the community have continued to help strengthen security and ensure residents can live peacefully without fear.
“We have continued to support the community not only through educational and medical programmes but also through security operations and interventions. Our officers conduct regular patrols, including midnight patrols, to ensure the safety of the people,” the captain stated.
Captain Deyin also appreciated residents of Ilara and Epe Division for their peaceful coexistence and continued support for the Nigerian Navy, noting that the relationship between the Navy and host communities has contributed immensely to the success of its operations and activities.
The Head Teacher of UPE School ilara,Evang Odusoga Gideon, while speaking during the programme, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for choosing the school and community for the outreach initiative.
The Head Teacher described the intervention as highly significant, noting that many pupils and parents would greatly benefit from the educational materials and health support provided through the programme.
According to the school head, the initiative would further encourage learning among pupils, ease the burden on parents, and improve the overall learning environment within the school.
Community leaders and parents also applauded the Nigerian Navy for extending the outreach to the grassroots, describing the programme as impactful, timely, and beneficial to families within the community.
The event featured the distribution of school bags, notebooks, writing materials, mosquito nets, and interactions between naval officers, pupils, teachers, and community members.
