Navy Expands Community Intervention Drive, Inaugurates Three Solar-powered Boreholes in Surulere

The Nigerian Navy has broadened its community outreach efforts by inaugurating three solar-powered boreholes in Ward F2, Surulere, Lagos State. This initiative provides residents with much-needed access to potable water and aims to foster stronger civil-military relationships within the community.

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the initiative reflected the Navy’s commitment to building stronger relationships with host communities through projects that respond directly to their needs.

The project falls under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme. The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, honored Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the Chief of Defence Training, who originates from Surulere. Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of the Naval Staff, was represented by Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, the Chief of Naval Transformation.

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national security and development were closely linked to the wellbeing of communities, stressing that meaningful engagement with the people could strengthen trust, information sharing and cooperation.

Rear Admiral Onyemaobi stated that the initiative underscores the Navy's commitment to building robust relationships with host communities by addressing their essential needs. He highlighted the connection between national security, community well-being, and the importance of meaningful engagement for building trust and cooperation. The Navy's civil-military cooperation strategy seeks to enhance security and contribute to the socio-economic development of communities nationwide.

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access to potable water remained a critical component of public health, sanitation, education, commerce and general community development.

Onyemaobi described the Surulere project as timely, emphasizing that access to clean water is fundamental for public health, sanitation, education, commerce, and overall community development. He urged residents to safeguard the boreholes from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance for long-term use. The initiative also allows senior naval officers to contribute to the development of their home communities, sustaining their connection with the populace even after their service careers.

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the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project was designed specifically to enable senior naval officers, particularly Rear Admirals, contribute to the development of communities with which they had strong ties.