Chinedum Treasure
It was celebration galore on Friday in Udu-Ura community in Umulekwe Ebele, Achina in Aguata local government area of Anambra State following the commissioning of the construction of solar powered borehole, 30,000 litre overhead storage tank and water reticulation system in the area.
Speaking during the commissioning, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas restated Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation and supporting initiatives capable of promoting national development and social cohesion.
Abbas, represented by Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi described the project commissioning as both timely and impactful, saying portable water supply remained one of the most essential drivers of socio-economic development.
According to him, portable water 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.
Reiterating the military’s continued partnership with communities across the country in ways that foster peace, security, and progress, Abbas urged the beneficiaries to protect and maintain the project to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
“The Nigerian Navy recognizes that the security and prosperity of our nation are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful development.
“This understanding continues to guide 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 we serve.
“I commend Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Chidi Okpala for identifying this 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 stressed.
Abbas further appreciated state government, community leadership, contractors, project team and other stakeholders whose cooperation and support contributed to successful completion of the project.
“Your collective efforts have once again shown that when institutions and communities work together, sustainable development becomes achievable,” he added.
Earlier, the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Chidi Okpala, Director of Policy, Directorate Policy and Plans, Defence Headquarters, described the project as true reflection of collective wish and priority of the community.
He regretted that the community had for over 50 years grappled with absence of portable water, saying the project commissioning would not only change the narrative but would also open doors to further economic opportunities and improve living standard of the community.
Okpala appreciated the Naval chief for his visionary leadership as well as granting him privilege to give back to his people through the initiative, appealing to his kinsmen to see the project as theirs by taking full ownership of it.
He also called for the protection of the installations from vandalism and to ensure their proper use and maintenance to ensure it served both generation and generations to come.
“Let us also continue to extend the same warmth, cooperation and support we have shown throughout the execution of this project, to all who may come to serve this community in future,” he added.
Traditional ruler of the community Igwe Godwin Nnemeka Obiora thanked both the Navy and the benefactor for their magnanimity, urging them to extend the gesture through provision of roads infrastructure.
On his part, President General of the community, Tony Ezenwaka expressed the willingness of youths of the community to join the military.
“We’ve never seen this assemblage of top military in our community. Before now, we were threatened by gunmen, until our able governor drove them away.
“But we need permanent military presence to assist in improving the security situation of the community. We have enough land to accommodate such miliary base,” he added.
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