Navy donates solar-powered borehole, reconstructed cultural hall to Imo community
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, on Wednesday, inaugurated a multimillion naira reconstructed community hall and a 10,000-litre solar-powered industrial borehole in Imo.
Abbas, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Rear Adm. Omotola Olukoya, inaugurated the projects at Uzoubi-Umuna Community in Orlu Local Government Area.
He said that the projects were executed under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme to address critical grassroots needs.
He said that national security and prosperity are significantly strengthened when local communities are empowered through meaningful socio-economic development and civil-military cooperation.
“Potable water supply remains one of the most essential drivers of socio-economic development, enhancing health benefits and creating opportunities for growth,” Abbas said.
He also said the projects were executed in honour of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chiedozie Okehie, who hails from the community.
He charged the community to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability for future generations.
Abbas reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining strategic partnerships with host communities across the country in order to foster peace, progress, and social cohesion.
In a remark, Okehie explained that the naval initiative was conceived to honour serving Rear Admirals by enabling them to execute critical development projects in their ancestral localities.
“The Quick Impact Project is a deliberate effort by the Nigerian Navy to touch lives, deepen the bond with civil populace, and contribute to national security,” Okehie said.
He said extensive consultations with community leaders informed the decision to construct the water facility and restore the historic “Obi Okonko” cultural center.
He described Obi Okonko as a vital indigenous institution that connects the people to their heritage, fosters dialogue, resolves disputes, and maintains social order.
“My hope is that this reconstructed Obi Okonko will continue to serve as a place of dialogue, unity, and peaceful cooperation for present and future generations,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Uzoubi-Umuna Autonomous Community, Eze Boniface Okereke, thanked the Nigerian Navy for executing the vital infrastructural projects in his domain.
Okereke emphasised that the interventions would positively transform social and economic activities across the autonomous community for generations to come.
He praised Okehie for facilitating the intervention in his native community.
The monarch also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for giving executive approval for such grassroots projects.
He assured the naval authorities that the community leadership would establish strict maintenance measures to safeguard the facilities against misuse or neglect.
Also speaking, the President-General of the community, Prof. Michael Okoro, said the projects represented a restoration of local dignity, productivity, and socio-economic hope.
Okoro lauded Okehie for exemplifying impactful leadership, saying that the community takes immense pride in its sons and daughters, who leverage their high offices to deliver tangible developments back home. (NAN)
