Nigerian Navy yesterday inaugurated 80,000-litre solar-powered borehole at Kerau community in Katsina State.
The project, executed in honour of Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, under the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project initiative, was aimed at improving access to clean water, education and security, while strengthening civil-military relations.
Representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Aminu Abdullahi, said the intervention reflected Navy’s commitment to national development beyond its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.
He said the project, introduced in 2024, was designed to strengthen civil-military cooperation, while supporting Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through people-centred development initiatives.
He said the projects would improve access to potable water, enhance security through better street lighting and provide a more conducive learning environment for schoolchildren in the community.
He said: ‘’Navy is committed not only to protecting lives and property, but also improving the well-being of Nigerians through impactful community projects.”
Rear Admiral Abdullahi noted that the intervention honoured accomplished senior naval officers, while promoting stronger relationships between the military and host communities.
He hailed Rear Admiral Dahiru for executing the projects and advised residents to take ownership of the facilities by protecting and maintaining them.
Dahiru described the projects as a lasting investment in the welfare of the people of Kerau and Katsina State.
He said: ‘’The intervention including an 80,000-litre solar-powered water facility, solar-powered streetlights and renovation of the community school, were all carefully selected to address critical needs in the area.
‘’In addition to the infrastructure projects, the personnel of the Armed Forces from Kerau and other military formations in Katsina have organised a free medical outreach offering consultations, treatment, drugs and medical advice to residents.’’
He urged residents of the community to take advantage of the free health care services and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance security operations across the state.
The special guest of honour, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, represented by his Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Nasir, thanked the facilitator and Nigeria Navy for the initiative, noting the project was in line with his administration’s plan of developmental projects, which were visible across the state.
He enjoined the benefiting community to take ownership of the project and not allow people to vandalise it.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, members of Katsina State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, security chiefs and other dignitaries.
