NNSS 94 alumni unveil multi-million naira sports facilities
The 1994 set of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School on Friday unveiled a multi-million naira sports centre donated to the school to commemorate their 30 years of graduation.
The facilities include twin basketball, badminton, lawn tennis, and volleyball courts, as well as areas for ground chess, ludo, and hopscotch.
The facilities built to make students well-rounded intellectuals were constructed from scratch on the school premises in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Arc. Oyebola Amodu, team lead of the project committee, expressed her delight, revealing that the idea was conceived about 10 years ago.
“It gives me joy to stand here today, 30 years post-graduation, and to have the noble opportunity to say a few words at the launch of the NNSS 94 project, proudly named the ‘NNSS 94 Sports Nest’,” she said.
“I am delighted to confirm that this project was funded 97 percent by members of the NNSS 94 alumni and two per cent by external donors.
“As we celebrate the launch of our new sports facility, let us reflect on the journey that brought us here. Was this achievement easy? Absolutely not. The idea for this project emerged during our 20th and 25th reunions, but it never felt like the time to raise the necessary funds.
“Today, however, we stand proud and united, 10 years after conceiving this vision. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the 94 set alumni and all those who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.”
Applauding the laudable initiative, the FOC West Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who unveiled the facilities, said the projects would go a long way in uplifting the nation’s image.
“We are here today to commission the multi-purpose arena built by the 94 set of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, and it is a beautiful edifice that houses basketball, lawn tennis, badminton, chess, and many other options,” he said.
“I must say a very big thank you to the 94 set for contributing towards the education of our young ones. It is a good thing that they are giving back to society, and it is laudable, and we appreciate their effort. We know how important a sport is to the development of children. We also need to applaud them because we also know the role sports play in national development, and if we start sports at the grassroots, it’s going to go a long way in uplifting the image of the nation.”
The commissioning of the facilities attracted former teachers, school management, and dignitaries from the Nigerian Navy.
The event concluded with basketball teams exhibiting their skills in friendly games on the newly built court.