By Kennedy Sheyin
The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday, reaffirmed its commitment to civil-military cooperation with the inauguration of a borehole as part of the Navy Chief’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project.
The borehole with a 35,000-litre solar powered reticulation tank, was constructed in respect of Rear Adm. Mohammed Muye, in his home community, Muye, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger.
The project was inaugurated by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Naval Headquarters Abuja, Rear Adm. Raheem Taofeek.
Abbas in his remark said that civil-military cooperation encompassed the interactions between the military and the civil society towards the accomplishment of missions.
He said that such cooperation aided in achieving military strategic objectives, adding that it was the reason why the special quick intervention project was inaugurated in 2024.
According to him, the project aims to facilitate a reinvigorated navy military- civil cooperation mandate and contribute to the ongoing federal government’s renewed hope agenda.
“These projects are done by the navy to honor its accomplished senior officers and as an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians.
“The construction and inauguration of this industrial solar powered borehole and water reticulation is another watershed in the navy’s civil-military cooperation.
“It aptly captures the essence for the quick impact projects as conceived by the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
The CNS urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities responsibly, as well as care for it so as to ensure that the project was long lasting.
Speaking at the event, the facilitator of the project/Commandant, Naval War College, Rear Adm. Mohammed Muye, said that the initiative provided senior officers in the navy an opportunity to give back to their communities.
He said it helped them execute projects that directly addressed critical social needs while complementing government efforts in community development.
“The visionary initiative reflects Nigerian navy’s conviction that national security and national development are mutually reinforcing objectives,” he said.
According to him, the project embodied the vision that access to clean and potable water remains one of the most fundamental requirements for healthy living.
“Water sustains life, promotes public health, supports agriculture and commerce, enhances education and preserves human dignity.
“Unfortunately, many communities across our nation still experience challenges in assessing reliable potable water. This prompted the execution of this integrated water project for the people of Muye,” he said.
He also said that the project was specifically tailored to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly water solution capable of serving the community for many years.
“Beyond the engineering value, this project symbolises compassion in action. It demonstrates the evolving character of the navy as a professional institution committed to supporting national development.
“It reflects our shared belief that development should reach every community regardless of location, and that every Nigerian deserves access to basic necessities that improve the quality of life,” Muye added.
The commandant further said that the facility would achieve its purpose if it reduced waterborne diseases, eased the burden of those who travel distances for water, supports health care delivery, and promotes economic activities,
“While our primary constitutional responsibility remains defence of Nigeria’s maritime domain, we equally recognise the importance of winning hearts and minds through initiatives that positively impact civilian communities.
“Indeed the security of any nation ultimately rests upon the strength of the relationship between its people and its institutions,” he said.
Muye also said that when communities and security agencies work together in mutual trust, respect, and understanding, peace would be more enduring and development more sustainable.
He urged the beneficiaries to regard the facility as a collective asset and protect it, maintain it diligently, and ensure that future generations continued to benefit from it.
According to him, public infrastructure delivered lasting value only when communities assume ownership and safeguard them from the threat of vandalism and misuse.(NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker