Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda yesterday hailed the presence of Nigerian Navy in Katsina State through project interventions such as Gidan Mutum Daya project, which, he noted, had further strengthened the relationship between security institutions and local communities.
Radda, represented by Deputy Governor Farouk Jobe at the inauguration of the water project at Gidan Mutum Daya, assured the Navy of the continued cooperation of the state government
He said: ”We assure the Chief of the Naval Staff of the continued support of Katsina State Government for military operations and other lawful security activities in the state.’
Radda congratulated Rear Admiral Aminu Abdullahi on the recognition and development project executed in his community, commending him for facilitating an intervention that responded to identified needs in Gidan Mutum Daya.
He urged the people of the community to take ownership of the facilities, protect them from damage and ensure their proper maintenance so that they could continue to serve present and future generations.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Director of Planning at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Adamu Yahaya, congratulated the people of Gidan Mutum Daya and Rear Admiral Abdullahi on the completion of the projects.
He said: ”Nigerian Navy recognised that security was strengthened and sustained when communities were empowered and their basic development needs addressed.
”The Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme was designed to respond to critical needs in underserved communities, while strengthening trust and cooperation between the Armed Forces and civilians.
”The Gidan Mutum Daya intervention reflected the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities through projects in education, health care, basic infrastructure and water, sanitation and hygiene.”
Rear Admiral Yahaya said the projects comprised the comprehensive renovation of the Community Day Secondary School, provision of classroom desks, additional toilet facilities and white marker boards, as well as a 10,000-litre solar-powered borehole to improve access to water.
He said: ”The intervention will provide a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers, promote hygiene and contribute to improved academic performance.
”The projects were executed under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects initiative in honour of Rear Admiral Aminu Abdullahi, an indigene of Gidan Mutum Daya.”
Rear Admiral Abdullahi said the projects were selected based on identified needs within Gidan Mutum Daya and urged residents to use the facilities responsibly and ensure their continued maintenance
The inauguration was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders and residents of Gidan Mutum Daya.