CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF REMARKS AT THE HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON ‘FINANCING SAFE SCHOOLS: CREATING SAFE LEARNING COMMUNITIES’ HELD AT TRANSCORP HILTON ABUJA ON 20 APRIL 2021
PROTOCOL
1. On behalf of the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the NN, I am indeed delighted to identify with this gathering of distinguished personalities and critical stakeholders on the occasion of the high-level dialogue on financing safe schools and creating safe learning communities for the Nigerian child. My special appreciation and congratulations to the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Organizing Committee for this landmark occasion. I am optimistic that the outcome of today’s deliberations would contribute to the attainment of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces’ Safe School Declaration.
2. Notably, today’s event marks another milestone in the series of intervention efforts towards creating a safe and secured learning environment for our children. I am therefore grateful that the NN has been given the opportunity to make its contributions to this all important topic. The NN has been involved in the educational development of the Nigerian child and youths through the establishment of welfare schools across the country. These welfare schools have catered to the educational needs of children and wards of personnel and host communities. Also, the NN welfare schools provide educational support to children of deceased personnel who are supported up to the tertiary level. Furthermore, the NN through its Civil-Military Cooperation Directorate has made tremendous efforts to provide adequate security and safety at the various IDP camps in support of NEMA and other sister Services. This has created the desired learning environment for the children in the IDP camps.
3. The NN has also been involved in the provision of security to schools located within and around its host community. It is instructive to state that the NN has performed creditably well in this regard as there has not been any incident of abduction of school children from schools near any NN units/establishments to date. Thus, the NN deserves some accolades in this regard. Also worthy of mention is NN contributions to rescue of abducted/kidnapped school children through the deployment of its regular and special forces team to assist the NA and other security agencies in the rescue effort.
4. At this point, permit me to highlight some NN future plans towards improving education as well as security around the schools. These include:
a. Establishment of more welfare schools.
b. Introduction of CNS Annual Debate and Quiz Competition for secondary schools.
c. Introduction of CNS Meet and Greet Gala Night for 3- Best Graduating secondary school students from each State of the Federation.
d. Regular upgrade of school infrastructure and teaching/learning aids.
e. Reinforcement of security architecture around NN welfare schools.
f. Emplacing a robust security awareness mechanism with NN welfare schools’ host communities.
g. Explore education funding support by corporate entities.
5. On this note, I once again most sincerely appreciate the Organizing Committee for this wonderful event. I wish to congratulate the Honourable Minister of Finance for championing this worthy course. May God Almighty continue to guide and protect you. May I also seize this opportunity to appreciate other invited guests. Your presence has indeed added value to this event. Thank you all and God bless.