Navy deepens civil-military cooperations with water project
By Elizabeth Ogunjobi
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to civil-military cooperation, describing it as vital for addressing community needs and improving Nigerians’ wellbeing.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, stated this on Thursday during the inauguration of a water project in Pindiga, Gombe State.
The project comprises a solar-powered borehole, overhead tank and toilets constructed at the Cottage Hospital in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
It was executed under the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, designed to deliver targeted interventions to communities.
Represented by Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Adamu Yahaya, Abbas said the project would strengthen bonds between communities and the Armed Forces.
“Your collective efforts have once again shown that when institutions and communities work together, sustainable development becomes achievable,” he said.
Abbas assured Pindiga stakeholders that the Navy would continue supporting initiatives promoting national development, peace, security and social cohesion.
“Let me assure you that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote national development,” he said.
He said the Navy would continue partnering communities nationwide through interventions capable of fostering peace, security and sustainable development.
Abbas described potable water as an essential need and a major driver of socio-economic development.
He said providing water to the hospital would improve residents’ quality of life while contributing significantly to community development.
The naval chief commended Rear Adm. Usman Faruk, who facilitated the project, for bringing relief to his community.
He urged beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure their sustainability and maximum benefit to residents.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commended the Navy for providing essential infrastructure capable of improving the lives of Pindiga residents.
Yahaya, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Shehu Abdullahi, also praised Faruk for facilitating the intervention.
“We are happy with this water scheme and we ask that you do more for this community and Gombe State as a whole,” he said.
The Emir of Pindiga, Alhaji Muhammad Sayoji, said the intervention had brought significant relief after years of acute water shortages.
Sayoji explained that the area’s geological conditions had made previous boreholes unsuitable because limestone minerals contaminated their water.
“We extend our gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff, Abbas, for this gift to our community executed by our own son.
“Now, there is water supply across the hospital to make life easier for the people and maintain proper hygiene,” Sayoji said.
Faruk said extensive consultations with community elders preceded the project because Pindiga had long struggled with access to fresh water.
He said contaminated water had contributed to health deterioration, dental discolouration and poor life expectancy among inhabitants.
Faruk added that toilets were constructed because the hospital previously lacked adequate facilities, forcing patients into open defecation.
He said the situation posed serious public health concerns, including increased risks of disease outbreaks within the hospital environment.
As appreciation, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emir presented gifts and conferred the traditional title Wakilin Woje Pindiga, meaning ambassador of Pindiga, on Abbas.
The honour was received on Abbas’ behalf by Rear Admiral Yahaya, who represented him at the inauguration.
