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

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The Nigerian Navy has donated a 50,000-litre Braithwaite water storage tank with a solar-powered industrial borehole and a community town hall to the Adiabo Akani Obio community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

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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.

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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Effah said the water project was inspired by his childhood experience and his desire to alleviate the hardship faced by residents, particularly women and children, who had to trek down a hill to fetch water from a stream.

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Effah, who is a native of the community, said, “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.”

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He explained that he consulted community elders and youth leaders before choosing the location of the borehole to ensure that the project met the actual needs of the people.

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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,” he explained.

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Effah said the intervention was designed to provide safe drinking water, promote public hygiene and complement the efforts of the Cross River State Government.

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He added that he also decided to renovate and complete the community town hall after observing that the facility had been abandoned and was in a poor state.

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Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the project demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with communities through meaningful civil-military cooperation.

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Onyemaobi said access to potable water remained essential to socio-economic development, adding that the town hall would provide a conducive venue for community meetings and other social activities.

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He commended Effah for identifying the needs of his community and using the Quick Impact Project scheme to provide lasting relief to residents.

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He urged the beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

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The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was the Special Guest of Honour, also commended the Nigerian Navy for the initiative.

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The monarch congratulated Effah on the recognition and urged the people of Adiabo Akani Obio to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism.

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“I thank the Nigerian Navy for the initiative and I urge the people of Adiabo Akani Obio to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism,” he stated.

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He said the intervention would further strengthen the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and host communities while promoting development and improving the lives of residents.

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The commissioned facilities comprise a 50,000-litre Braithwaite water storage tank, a solar-powered industrial borehole, perimeter fencing and a community town hall.

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