Nigerian Navy commissions multi -million naira solar powered borehore for Anambra community

By Our Correspondent

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commissioned a solar powered borehole with 30,000 litre overhead storage tank and water reticulation system at Udu-Ura Community, Achina, Aguata local government area of Anambra State, as part of Navy’s social responsibility.

The water project was executed in honour of Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala, an indigene of the community who is the director of plans at the Naval headquarters, Abuja.

The community had for over 50 years, grappled with the absence of portable water and it became evident that water supply was the most pressing need of the people.

The Chief of Naval Staff, who was represented by Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, said the Nigerian Navy recognizes that the security and prosperity of the country are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful development.

This understanding, he explained, guides the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts and the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, which seeks to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people.

The Chief of Naval Staff said: “The project is both timely and impactful. Portable water supply remains one of the most essential drivers of socio-economic development. It is safe for domestic use, supports education, stimulates commerce, enhances good health and creates opportunities for growth.

“The provision of this infrastructure in Udu-Ura Community will undoubtedly improve the quality of life of residents and contribute meaningfully to the development of the community. I therefore urge the beneficiaries to protect and maintain this project to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

He commended Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala for identifying the critical need within his community and utilizing the opportunity and fund provided under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme to bring lasting relief to the people of Udu-Ura Community.

“His vision, dedication, and commitment to community development are clearly reflected in the successful execution of this project. Through this noble initiative, he has demonstrated that leadership is most meaningful when it positively impacts the lives of others”, he said.

He also appreciated the Government of Anambra State, the chairman and leadership of Umulekwe Ebele Achina and all stakeholders whose cooperation and support contributed to the successful completion of this project.

“Your collective efforts have once again shown that when institutions and communities work together, sustainable development becomes achievable.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let me assure you that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote national development and social cohesion.

“We will continue to partner with communities across the country in ways that foster peace, security, and progress”, he stated.

Addressing his people, Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala said the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project is a Nigerian Navy Civil-Military Cooperation initiative conceived by the Chief of the Naval Staff to honour serving Rear Admirals by giving them the opportunity to execute a development project in their home communities.

“It is a deliberate effort by the Nigerian Navy to touch lives, deepen the bond between the Service and the civil populace, as well as contribute to security and national development.

“The need for the Quick Impact Project scheme cannot be overemphasized. Many of our rural communities, despite their immense contribution to national life and to the officers and men who hail from them, remain underserved in basic infrastructure.

“This scheme was therefore conceived to bridge that gap and to give back to the communities that have nurtured us. It also reinforces the understanding that the Nigerian Navy is not only a shield for our maritime domain, but also a partner in community development.

“I am most grateful to the Chief of the Naval Staff for his visionary leadership and for granting me this rare privilege to give back to my people through this initiative.”, Okpala said.

He noted that with the commissioning of the project, the story of Achina has begun to change, adding that it will open the door to further economic opportunities and improve the standard of living of the community.

He urged his people to take ownership of the project by protecting the installations from vandalism and to ensure their proper use and maintenance.