Nigerian Navy marked its 70th anniversary with an educational and medical outreach programme organized by Naval Base Epe in Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division.
Epe Insights reports that the outreach programme formed part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration while also strengthening civil-military relations within host communities.
The humanitarian exercise provided educational and health support to residents of Ilara Kingdom through the distribution of learning materials and health items to pupils, students, and parents in the community.
During the programme, the Naval Base Epe team distributed one thousand customized exercise books, 200 mosquito nets, 150 school bags, and several writing materials to beneficiaries.
The delegation from Naval Base Epe was received on behalf of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, by the Ikeji Ilu of Ilara Kingdom and the Otun of Ilara Kingdom.
Speaking during the event, High Chief Balogun Azeez Adeoye, the Ikeji Ilu of Ilara Kingdom, commended the Nigerian Navy for the impactful initiative and described the outreach as timely and beneficial to the people.
He noted that the intervention would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and residents of Ilara Kingdom. He also encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the materials distributed during the programme.
Traditional rulers and community representatives present at the event equally praised Naval Base Epe for consistently supporting community welfare and development initiatives within the area.
Addressing participants, L.D Deyin stated that the outreach programme was part of the Nigerian Navy’s humanitarian and civil-military cooperation activities marking its 70th anniversary.
Captain Deyin reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding national assets, and contributing to the peace and development of host communities across the country.
Epe Insights gathered that the outreach programme also highlighted the Navy’s efforts to promote stronger community engagement beyond its core security responsibilities.
Residents who benefited from the exercise expressed appreciation to Naval Base Epe for extending support to the community, especially in the areas of education and healthcare.
The event further reflected the Nigerian Navy’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and social responsibility within communities hosting naval formations.
As the Nigerian Navy celebrates seven decades of service to the nation, stakeholders say initiatives such as the Ilara outreach programme will continue to strengthen trust and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
The outreach programme ended with goodwill messages from community leaders and appreciation from beneficiaries who described the initiative as impactful and community-centered.
