Navy commissions 3 solar-powered boreholes in Gombe community in honour of retired senior officer
By Hajara Leman
The Nigerian Navy on Thursday commissioned three solar-powered boreholes in Jekadafari Community in Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State to honour retired Rear Adm. Shehu Usman.
The project was executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff’s special intervention scheme, to foster community development and improve water access.
In his speech, the Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Adm Idi Abbas, said the project comprised three solar-powered boreholes, each with a 10,000-litre overhead water tanks and perimeter fencing.
Represented by Rear Adm . Mohammed Dahiru, Director of Projects Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Naval Headquarters, Abbas said the scheme was part of the nigerian Navy ’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative.
He said that the project demonstrated the Navy ’s commitment to support communities beyond its traditional role of securing lives and property.
He said the special quick impact project was launched in 2024 to strengthen the nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation mandate and contribute to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda .
The chief of Naval staff described the jekadafari project as another milestone in the Navy’s ’s civil-military cooperation efforts and said it aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria.
In his remark, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, commended the Nigerian Navy and the facilitator of the project, who he described as a true son of Gombe.
Yahaya was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Alhaji Shehu Yarima-Abdullahi,.
The governor reiterated government’s commitment to partner with initiatives that promote meaningful development.
He called on residents of the community to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring their proper utilisation.
Speaking at the event, Usman said the initiative was his modest way of giving back to his community.
He apologised for not maintaining a close connection with his people over the years due to his military career.
He disclosed that he initially planned to provide 12 solar-powered boreholes in Jekadafari but was able to complete three projects.
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar the III, represented by Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the Dawakin Gombe, commended the retired Admiral for giving back to his community.
He urged members of the Emirate council who are residents of the area to ensure that the facilities remained functional.NAN
