By Henry Orjiakor
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday inaugurated a 68-bedded hostel and other academic facilities at the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Abia.
Ikengaonline reports that the facilities included fully furnished 60-room male hostel and 24-room female hostel.
Others are administrative block, auditorium, kitchen, dining hall, gymnasium, swmimming pool and a 300KVA transformer.
The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said that the facilities worth billions of naira were provided to enhance the teaching and learning environment in the college.
Emefiele, who was represented by the Head of Projects, CBN, Mrs Amina Oni, said that the gesture was part of the apex bank’s corporate social responsibility.
The CBN governor said that the college was important for the development and sustenance of the capacity of the Nigerian Navy.
In an address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo lauded the apex bank for such huge intervention and support to the college.
Gambo said that the infrastructure would enhance the aesthetics of the college as well as improve the learning environment.
He charged the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to be loyal and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The naval chief reiterated his commitments toward the welfare of the officers and advancement of the college in order to enhance professionalism.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions toward peace and order in the host community and the state in general.
Ikpeazu said that it had become imperative to include financial intelligence in the curriculum of the college in order to achieve success in onslaught against insurgency in the country.
Also, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo commended the CBN for the gesture and urged it to continue with such social interventions in other sectors of the economy.
Uzodinma also commended the Nigerian Navy for its robust achievements at ensuring peace and order in the society.
Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal, said that the facilities had enabled the college to admit larger number of students.
Lawal also said that the intervention had helped the institution to clear the backlog of officers and ratings that had yet to undergo professional training.