The Nigerian Army has urged parents to pay adequate attention to the education of their children to address the nation’s social vices.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, gave the advice on Tuesday at the inauguration of the renovated and refurnished Army Children School, Effurun Barack, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
Sarham said that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had identified education as a critical component in solving insecurity challenges in the country.
He said the COAS had started the project across the Army formations in the country, adding that the 6 division had also key into the project and would sustain the process.
“We need to pay adequate attention to the education of our children being the leaders of tomorrow.
“Army has identified that education played a very critical role in solving the insecurity challenges in the country, and we are paying adequate attention to educational development to ensure conducive environment.
“Our outing during the Operation Crocodile Smile 3, we moved into communities, identified indigent citizens and donated educational materials. We also took part in medical outreach to ensure we have a healthy society,” Sarham said
He commended Col. Alhassan Grema, the Commander, Sector 1, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), for facilitating the school renovation, urging the younger officers to emulate him.
Grema thanked those who have contributed financially to ensure the success of the project.
The GOC said that award would be given to most responsible teachers, neatest and responsible students and others annually.
Commenting, Mr David Tonwe, the Director-General, Security Matters in Delta, represented Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The School Head Mistress, Mrs Diana Ekpan, said that prior to the deterioration of the school, it had a population of 1,000 pupils and 36 teachers till 2014.
“It is important to note that since the establishment of the school in 1977, no major renovation has been done until Col. Grema carried out this.
“The population started reducing due to poor situation of the school buildings, lack of classroom furniture and teachers.
“These challenges reduced the population to about 600 pupils with 25 permanent teachers and 10 N-Power teachers,” she said. (NAN)
