Navy supports orphans in Makurdi with bursaries, relief items

The Nigerian Navy has distributed bursary awards, food items, books, and sanitary materials to children at Tivid Orphanage and School in Makurdi, Benue State, as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Makurdi, Olusegun Soyemi, said the outreach was directed by the Chief of Naval Staff and aligned with the Navy’s commitment to community support. Represented by Commodore Maksum Mohammed, he explained that the initiative also coincided with Children’s Day celebrations.

He noted that the Navy deliberately chose an orphanage in Benue due to the impact of insecurity on vulnerable children, particularly those affected by displacement and violence.

According to him, the donations were aimed at supporting the children’s education, nutrition, and wellbeing, while also preserving the dignity of young girls through the provision of sanitary pads.

Soyemi added that beyond its core mandate of protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Navy remains committed to humanitarian efforts, especially for vulnerable groups.

The management of Tivid Orphanage, led by Favour Adah, commended the Navy for the intervention, describing it as timely support amid growing financial challenges. She appealed to government and well-meaning Nigerians for further assistance, warning that the home was struggling to cater for over 100 children.

One of the beneficiaries, Simon Idakwo, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the bursary would ease his academic expenses.