The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a solar-powered industrial borehole and a community town hall in Adiabo Akani Obio, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and improve the welfare of residents.
The projects, executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, include a 50,000-litre Braithwaite water storage tank, a solar-powered industrial borehole and perimeter fencing.
The intervention was undertaken in honour of the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, an indigene of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Effah said the project was inspired by his childhood experience of watching residents, particularly women and children, endure the hardship of trekking a hill to fetch water from a stream.
Effah stressed that he consulted community elders and youth leaders before deciding on the location of the borehole to ensure that the project addressed the immediate needs of the people.
He said the facility had begun attracting residents even before its formal inauguration, with people queuing to access the water.
The chief of operations said the intervention was designed to provide residents with access to safe water, promote improved hygiene and complement the efforts of the state government in providing basic amenities.
He said he also undertook the renovation and completion of the community town hall after observing that the facility had been abandoned and had deteriorated considerably.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the projects underscored the Navy’s commitment to meaningful civil-military cooperation.
Onyemaobi said access to potable water was critical to the socio-economic development of communities, while the town hall will provide a suitable venue for community meetings and social activities.
He commended Effah for identifying the needs of his community and leveraging the Quick Impact Project Scheme to provide infrastructure that will directly improve the lives of residents.
The naval chief urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was the special guest of honour, commended the Nigerian Navy for the intervention.
The monarch congratulated Effah on the recognition and appealed to residents of Adiabo Akani Obio to protect the facilities against vandalism.
‘I thank the Nigerian Navy for the initiative, and I urge the people of Adiabo Akani Obio to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism,’ he said.
He said the intervention will further deepen the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and host communities while promoting grassroots development and improving the living conditions of residents.