Inauguration
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a 30,000-litre solar-powered borehole project in Udu-Ura, Umulekwe Ebele Village, Achina, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.
The project, executed under the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative and the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, was facilitated in honour of Rear Adm. Ifeanyi Okpala, an indigene of the community.
Speaking at the inauguration on Friday, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), said the project reflected the Navy’s recognition that security and prosperity could be strengthened through meaningful development in communities.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Chijioke Onyemaobi, in charge of Transformation and Innovation at Naval Headquarters, said the intervention scheme was designed to address critical community needs and foster stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people.
He expressed confidence that the project would improve residents’ quality of life and contribute to community development, urging beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facility for sustainability.
The CNS commended the facilitator for identifying a critical need in his community and utilising the intervention scheme to bring relief to the people.
“Potable 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,” he said.
Abbas also appreciated the Anambra Government and Umulekwe Ebele-Achina community for their cooperation and contributions to the successful completion of the project.
In his remarks, Rear Adm. Okpala, Director of Policy, Directorate of Policy and Plans, Defence Headquarters, said the intervention scheme was designed to address basic infrastructure gaps in communities from which serving officers and personnel originated, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
He appreciated the CNS for his commitment to community-centred leadership and for approving the solar-powered borehole project in his honour.
Okpala recalled that, while growing up, he and his peers had to travel long distances to fetch water from streams, adding that residents also relied on rainwater because of the difficulty in accessing groundwater.
“Udu-Ura community has for over 50 years grappled with the absence of potable water; it became evident that water supply was the most pressing need of our people at this time. This project is a true reflection of the collective wish and priority of the community.
“The commissioning of this project will open the door to further economic opportunities and improve the standard of living of the community.
“I urge you to protect the installations from vandalism and ensure their proper use and maintenance, so that this project may serve not just our generation, but generations to come.
“Let us 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 said.
The traditional ruler of Achina, Igwe Nnaemeka Obiora, thanked the CNS and the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, describing it as a major relief to residents who had endured water supply challenges for decades.
Obiora, alongside Mr Tony Ezenwaka, President-General of Achina Community, appealed for further interventions, particularly in road infrastructure, while expressing appreciation for the Navy’s gesture through their son.
Earlier, Mr Chidi Nwakpadolu, Chairman of Umulekwe Village, said the community would remain grateful to the Navy and Okpala for the project, assuring that residents would protect the facility.
