The holiday season will soon be over for school kids when the academic session resumes for most schools on Monday 13th of January. But the good memories enjoyed during the holidays will give them good memories to reflect upon. On Boxing Day, 26 December 2013, Project27 Africa, a non-governmental organisation for kids in rural Africa, took 27 kids of the AUD Primary School, Ibowon-Epe, Lagos, Nigeria on a free tour to see the largest and first-of-its-kind offshore vessel in Nigeria, The Adessa Ocean King.
Before getting to the King’s ‘Palace’, Uncle Speed, Project27 President, and the Kids made fun stop-overs at the pedestrian bridge just before the Admiralty Toll Plaza in Lekki just so the kids could have ‘first-leg’ walk on the bridge.
“We took the kids to Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island. With discounted tickets, the kids went in three groups of nine to see a 5D movie flick. They were belted into rocking chairs. Wearing 3D glasses, they soon discovered they were not only to see the flick but to feel it.
“We got mixed feelings afterwards. Some of the kids found it exciting. Others swore it was scary. In all, it was a first time fun for them.
“Inside the Galleria, we met what seemed like a Cadbury party going on. The kids joined their ‘urban’ friends for the party, and they had free cups of Tang and Bournvita to sweeten their taste buds and energise their bodies. “Soon they climbed upstairs high into the Galleria to sight-see and window-shop. And just before heading to see the King, they took along wraps of Tom-Tom and Buttermint – all freely given by the Cadbury ushers.
“In front of the massive Ocean King, which was launched July 1, 2013, the king ‘bowed’ in awe and excitement to his Majesty as it wobbled to and fro on its ‘throne’. The Pronoun for ships and vessels like this is ‘Her’ or ‘She’, Captain Taiwo Akinjide enlightened the Kids as they boarded and toured the cockpit, cabins, kitchen, cold room, store, and other parts of the vessel.
“The kids even climbed high on to the heliport not only to see where helicopters could land on the vessel but to also catch scenic views of some parts of Victoria Island, Eko Atlantic City, and parts of Apapa Port.
“Inside the ‘Mess’ of the King, the kids were entertained and refreshed with cold soft drinks and an assortment of sweetened biscuits. And after they had seen enough of the vessel, it was time to go and they waved the King goodbye.
“In the tour bus and on the way back to Ibowon their hometown, we delivered lots of exciting gifts to the kids. ( The gifts had earlier been freely given by donors whom are called Angels at Project27 Africa). The gifts include: school bags, new sandals, socks, exercise books, pencils, umbrellas, mathematical sets, pens, drawing books, crayons, toothpastes, toothbrushes, toys, etc.
“The Tour is the fourth since Project27 Africa began in 2012. Our goal is to take 27 million kids from rural Africa on free education and fun tours by May 27, 2027. We just hit 108. We still have a long way to go,” Uncle Speed explained.