Navy donates solar-powered borehole, town hall to Cross River community

The Adiabo Akani Obio community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has received a significant boost with the donation of a 50,000-litre solar-powered borehole and a community town hall from the Nigerian Navy. These projects were completed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme, honoring Chief of Operations Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.

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I felt moved by it and was motivated to ensure that I end that stress and do something to alleviate the suffering of my people.

Rear Admiral Effah, a native of the community, spearheaded the initiative, inspired by his own childhood experiences and a desire to alleviate the hardships faced by residents, particularly women and children who previously had to trek long distances to fetch water from a stream. "I felt moved by it and was motivated to ensure that I end that stress and do something to alleviate the suffering of my people," Effah stated during the commissioning ceremony on Friday.

Effah consulted with community elders and youth leaders to determine the optimal location for the borehole, ensuring the project would directly address the community's needs. The facility was already attracting residents seeking water even before its official inauguration. The intervention is designed not only to provide access to safe drinking water and promote public hygiene but also to complement the efforts of the Cross River State Government.

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I consulted community elders and youth leaders before choosing the location. The facility has already attracted residents before its official commissioning, with many people queuing to fetch water.

Additionally, Effah observed that the community town hall had been abandoned and was in poor condition. He consequently decided to renovate and complete the facility. Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, highlighted the project as a testament to the Nigerian Navy's commitment to fostering strong community relationships through civil-military cooperation.

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the project demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with communities through meaningful civil-military cooperation.

Onyemaobi emphasized the importance of potable water for socio-economic development and noted that the town hall would serve as a valuable venue for community meetings and social activities. He commended Effah for identifying his community's needs and utilizing the Quick Impact Project scheme to provide lasting relief. The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, also praised the Nigerian Navy's initiative and urged the community to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism.

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I thank the Niger