The Nigerian Naval College (NNC) 6th Regular Course “ONURA” Alumni Association has celebrated its 41st Reunion Anniversary by reaching out to orphaned and vulnerable children at the Abuja Children’s Home in Karu, Abuja, as part of activities marking over four decades of dedicated service to Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to national service beyond military careers through charitable support for vulnerable children.
The reunion commemorated 41 years since members of the 6th Regular Course joined the Nigerian Navy on July 8, 1985, and highlighted their continued commitment to serving the nation even after retirement.
Speaking during the outreach, President of the 6th Regular Course Alumni Association, Commodore Alex Nimyel (Rtd), said the initiative was a way of fulfilling the oath of service they took upon joining the Nigerian Navy.
“Today, we commemorate 41 years since we joined the Nigerian Navy. We took an oath to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the best of our ability, and by the grace of God, many of us served meritoriously before retiring,” he said.
He noted that the alumni chose to celebrate the milestone by giving back to society, particularly to children who represent the nation’s future.
“We felt this was the right day to come and share what we have with the children at the Abuja Children’s Home. This is only the beginning, and we intend to continue supporting them periodically,” Nimyel stated.
The retired naval officer emphasized that caring for orphaned and vulnerable children is a collective responsibility, urging other alumni associations, veterans’ groups, and corporate organizations to emulate the initiative.
“These children are Nigerians and they are our children. We cannot compel anyone to help, but we believe it is necessary to support them. We hope others will take a cue from what we have done,” he added.
Addressing the children, Nimyel encouraged them to remain focused on their education, work hard, and believe in their potential despite life’s challenges
“You are the hope of this country. Tomorrow, you will become pilots, doctors, engineers, military officers, police officers, governors, and even presidents. Never doubt yourselves. Study hard, work diligently, and keep hope alive,” he said.
He assured the children that the alumni association would sustain its relationship with the home through regular visits and continued support.
Responding on behalf of the home, Administrator of the Abuja Children’s Home, Quincy Patrick, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an encouragement to both the caregivers and the children.
She said raising orphaned and vulnerable children should not be left to government or institutions alone but should be embraced as a collective responsibility by all Nigerians.
“The strength of any nation should be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Today’s visit is more than the donations; it is a show of love, support, and encouragement,” she said.
Patrick added that the interaction with the retired naval officers had inspired many of the children to dream bigger and aspire to successful careers.
“I believe there was a child here today who looked at one of our visitors and said, ‘I want to be like that someday.’ That inspiration is priceless, and we are sincerely grateful for this thoughtful gesture,” she said.
The outreach formed part of the alumni association’s activities to celebrate its 41st reunion while reinforcing the values of service, compassion, and nation-building that have defined the members since their commissioning into the Nigerian Navy.