By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Nigerian Navy has provided a 50,000-litre water storage tank, solar-powered industrial borehole and community town hall to Adiabo Akani Obio community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The projects were executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme in honour of the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, a native of the community.
Speaking at the commissioning on Friday, Effah said the water project was inspired by his childhood experience of residents, particularly women and children, trekking down a hill to fetch water from a stream.
He said he consulted community elders and youth leaders before selecting the borehole site to ensure it met the community’s needs.
Effah said the project would provide safe drinking water, improve public hygiene and complement the state government’s efforts.
He added that he renovated and completed the community town hall after finding it abandoned and in poor condition.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the intervention reflected the Navy’s commitment to strengthening ties with host communities through civil-military cooperation.
Onyemaobi said access to potable water was essential to socio-economic development and urged residents to protect and maintain the facilities.
The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, also commended the Navy and urged residents to take ownership of the projects and guard against vandalism.
The commissioned facilities comprise a 50,000-litre Braithwaite water storage tank, solar-powered industrial borehole, perimeter fencing and community town hall.