Nigerian Navy Renovates Abia Primary School, Installs ICT Centre

The Nigerian Navy has renovated Union Primary School, Afaraukwu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, significantly improving the learning environment for pupils.

The intervention included the refurbishment of classrooms, the installation of a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) suite with 28 computers, the rehabilitation of a borehole to ensure access to potable water, and the reconstruction of toilet facilities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the project underscored the Navy’s enduring commitment to community development and the advancement of education.
Abbas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the renovation was executed as a Special Intervention Quick Impact Project by Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, an indigene of Afaraukwu. Abbas described the intervention as “another watershed in the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation annals,” adding that such projects provide opportunities to recognise and honour distinguished senior officers while simultaneously addressing pressing community needs.
“Beyond securing lives and property, the Navy remains committed to serving Nigerians in other meaningful and impactful ways,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff commended Onyemaobi, the Chief of Naval Transformation, for facilitating the project and encouraged him to expand similar humanitarian initiatives to other communities.
He also urged residents of Afaraukwu and Abia State at large to sustain their collaboration with the Navy and other security agencies in line with the principles of civil-military cooperation.
In his remarks, Onyemaobi said the intervention had not only enhanced educational infrastructure in the community but also strengthened awareness of the Navy’s role among residents.
He stated that the primary objective was to promote access to quality education while deepening the Navy’s positive engagement with the local population.
“My reason for choosing this project is simple: the world is increasingly technology-driven. The earlier children are introduced to digital tools and computer literacy, the better prepared they will be for the future,” he said.
He urged the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, as well as the school’s teachers and administrative staff, to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance and sustainability.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Macdonald Uba, commended the Navy and Onyemaobi for facilitating the project.
He encouraged the Navy to expand its footprint in the state through similar initiatives aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and supporting socio-economic development.
Highlights of the event included the formal unveiling and handover of the renovated facilities, as well as the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries.
Among those in attendance were Brigadier General Ahmad Dikko, Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, and Commodore B. U. Quadri, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta.