By Talatu Maiwada
The Nigerian Navy on Thursday, commissioned and handed over a Primary Healthcare Centre at Mullah, Hyema Community, Hong LGA of Adamawa, to improve access to healthcare services.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the project was executed under the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Project to strengthen civil-military cooperation and support community development.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, said the initiative reflected the Navy’s commitment to national development beyond safeguarding lives and property.
Abbas, who was represented by Rear Adm. Adamu Yahaya, said civil-military cooperation promotes collaboration between the Armed Forces and host communities to achieve sustainable peace and development.
He said the Special Quick Intervention Project was launched in 2024 to reinvigorate civil-military relations and honour distinguished senior officers of the Nigerian Navy.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers.
“It is also an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways,” he said.
The naval chief said the Mullah healthcare project was facilitated by Rear Adm. Kohath Levi, an illustrious son of the community, describing it as a milestone in community engagement.
According to him, facilities commissioned include a newly constructed healthcare centre with a maternity ward, general ward, consultation room, pharmacy, laboratory and a solar-powered borehole.
Abbas noted that the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and urged beneficiaries to use and protect the facility responsibly.
He called on residents to continue collaborating with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to enhance collective security and wellbeing.
In his remarks, Levi, who is the project facilitator, said the project was conceived to address challenges in accessing quality basic healthcare in rural communities.
“The idea of this intervention project was conceived as a stop gap measure to breach the challenges of accessing quality healthcare services especially basic healthcare in our communities.
“Therefore, when the opportunity for this Quick Impact Project arose, I considered it a top priority for the community,” he said.
Levi said the project received strong support from the Adamawa Government, Hong LGA and the host community, leading to its timely completion.
He explained that the facility was powered by a 6.5-horsepower solar inverter to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, commended the Chief of Naval Staff for his visionary leadership and commitment to civil-military cooperation.
Fintiri, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mr Zirra Bubanani, also praised the project facilitator for citing the facility in Hyema Community.
He said the primary healthcare centre would reduce preventable illnesses, improve maternal and child health outcomes and bring affordable healthcare closer to residents.
A community representative, Mr Matthew Bala, thanked the Nigerian Navy and assured stakeholders that the facility would be protected and maintained for present and future generations. (NAN)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
