The Nigerian Navy on Thursday inaugurated community development projects in Kerau Quarters, Katsina, in honour of Rear Adm. Yakubu Dahiru, an indigene of the area.
The projects executed under the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects, comprise an 80,000-litre solar-powered industrial borehole, solar-powered streetlights and renovation of a community school.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Dikko Radda, said the projects would improve access to potable water, enhance security through improved lighting and provide a better learning environment for children.
Represented by his Chief of staff, Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, Radda expressed appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for the intervention and commended Dahiru for facilitating the projects for the benefit of his community.
Radda said access to clean and safe water remained a priority of his administration, noting that the state government had embarked on reforms to strengthen water infrastructure across the state.
He said the government had rehabilitated water treatment plants, pumping stations, transmission and distribution pipelines, while ensuring the availability of diesel and essential water treatment chemicals.
Radda urged the people of Kerau to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism to ensure their sustainability and benefit to future generations.
In his remarks, the CNS, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, said the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project was initiated in 2024 to strengthen the Navy’s civil-military cooperation and contribute to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by Rear Adm. Aminu Abdullahi, Director, Ships Spares, Abbas said the initiative demonstrated that the Nigerian Navy’s responsibilities extended beyond securing lives and property to supporting communities and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He commended Dahiru for completing the projects, urging beneficiaries to use and maintain the facilities responsibly.
Dahiru, the project facilitator and Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, described the intervention as a lasting investment in the welfare and development of Kerau and Katsina State.
He said the projects would improve access to potable water, enhance security and provide a more conducive learning environment for residents.
Dahiru also disclosed that personnel of the Armed Forces from Kano and Katsina were conducting a medical outreach in the community, offering free medical consultations, treatment, drugs and health advice.
He urged residents to support security agencies operating in the state by providing useful information to help them combat insecurity.
Dahiru thanked the CNS, Katsina government, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, contractors and other stakeholders for their support, urging the people of Kerau to collectively protect and maintain the facilities. (NAN)
