The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Thursday, inaugurated three 10,000-litre solar-powered boreholes in Gombe State.

Abbas said the initiative was part of the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation Quick Impact Project.

Our correspondent reports that the projects, located in Gadan Mai Alewa, Sabon Layi (Layin Almajirai) and Layin Kasura communities in Jekadafari, Gombe metropolis, were executed under the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of retired Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe.

Represented by the Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, the CNS said the intervention was designed to strengthen the relationship between the military and civilian communities while contributing to the federal government’s development agenda.

Abbas said the Nigerian Navy’s responsibilities extended beyond the protection of lives and property to improving the welfare of communities.

He said, “Traditionally, and indeed globally, civil-military cooperation encompasses those activities and interactions between the military and civil societies towards the accomplishment of mission and military strategic objectives.

“In line with this, a special quick intervention project was launched in 2024 to facilitate the attainment of the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperation mandate and to contribute to the ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers, such as my mentor, Admiral Shehu, and an indication that beyond physically securing lives and property, we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways.”

The Naval Chief described the projects inauguration as another milestone in the Navy’s civil-military and cooperation efforts, noting that the intervention was undertaken by an illustrious son of the Jekadafari community, Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe (retd.).

He disclosed that the project included an integrated solar-powered borehole with a 10,000-litre overhead water tank, perimeter fencing and streetlights.

Abbas commended the retired senior officer for completing the project on schedule and urged him to undertake more humanitarian interventions.

He said, “We therefore salute the retired senior officer’s commitment and urge him to do more humanitarian endeavours. This project will enhance the quality of life of this community.”

The naval boss also appealed to the beneficiaries to protect the facilities and ensure their sustainability.

“I wish to enjoin the beneficiaries, just as the facilitator has said, please take ownership of these projects. Use these facilities responsibly so that they will endure for generations to come,” Abbas added.

The CNS further called on residents of Jekadafari and Gombe State to continue supporting the Nigerian Navy, the Armed Forces and other security agencies with useful information to enhance security.

Speaking on the rationale behind the project, Rear Admiral Shehu Usman (retd.) said the intervention followed consultations with members of his community who identified access to potable water as their most pressing need.

He said his initial plan was to renovate a school or health facility but changed his priority after consulting community leaders.

Usman said, “I sent people to the Hakimi and asked, ‘What shall I do for my community that will positively impact on them?’

“He told me, after a discussion, ‘My son, water is our problem because the depth at which you get clean water is very, very deep, about 120 metres.’

“I said, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Okay, I will do the water for you.”

The retired naval officer said the decision was influenced by the importance of potable water to public health.

“My intention initially was to renovate a school or a hospital, or whatever. They said, ‘No, water. Clean water. If the people drink clean water, then their health is okay.’ And it touched my heart,” he said.

Usman said the Quick Impact Project Scheme was important in addressing infrastructure deficits in communities, adding that the initiative was conceived to give back to the community that produced and nurtured him and his family.

He pointed out, “This scheme was therefore conceived to bridge the gap and give back to the community that produced me, produced my family and nurtured us.

“It also reinforces the understanding that the Nigerian Navy is not only a shield for the maritime domain, but also a partner in community development.”

He disclosed that several senior naval officers from Gombe State had also embarked on development projects in their respective communities.

According to him, “We are quite a number from Gombe State, from different areas, and we want to give back to our community.”

 Usman expressed appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for granting him the opportunity to contribute to the development of his community, as well as to the Gombe State Government for providing the enabling environment for the project.

He urged residents to protect the facilities from vandalism.

“I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to my kinsmen, women and men of Jekadafari, please take ownership of this project. Don’t allow it to be vandalised because this project impacts the health of the community.

“Look at the faces of children who were bathed and washed their clothes with this project. Let this project last. Let this project go a long way. Take ownership,” he urged the populace.

The retired Rear Admiral also appealed to traditional rulers and government representatives to monitor the facilities and ensure their continued functionality.

Representing the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Shehu Abdullahi, commended the initiative and said the state government was pleased to support the project.

Abdullahi said the intervention demonstrated the cordial relationship between the state government, traditional institutions and security agencies.

He said the rapid development of the Gombe metropolis in recent years had transformed many communities, including Jekadafari, adding that the state government appreciated the retired naval officer for remembering his community.

The commissioner equally urged residents and community leaders to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.

Representing the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar-Shehu Abubakar III, the Dawakin Gombe, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, commended the Nigerian Navy and Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe for providing the facilities.

Mohammed said the intervention would improve access to potable water and contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents.

He said, “On behalf of the Emir of Gombe and the entire people of Gombe, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy, particularly Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe, for identifying this important project.

“Coming back to our people, the beneficiaries of this project, I urge them to take ownership of the facilities to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and sustainability.”

The traditional institution also congratulated the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Shehu Usman Gombe and the beneficiary communities for the successful completion of the projects.