The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a 50,000 litre Braithwaite water storage tank, a solar powered industrial borehole and a community town hall in Adiabo Akani Obio, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The projects were delivered under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme in honour of the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, a native of the community.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Effah said his personal childhood experience in the community inspired the water project. He recalled how women and children were often forced to trek down a hill to a stream to obtain water.
According to him, the experience motivated him to find a lasting solution to the hardship.
“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,” he said.
Effah explained that he consulted community elders and youth leaders before selecting the location for the borehole to ensure the project addressed the actual needs of residents.
He noted that the facility had already begun serving the community even before its formal commissioning, as residents had started queuing to access water.
He said the intervention was aimed at providing safe and reliable drinking water, improving public hygiene and supporting the efforts of the Cross River State Government.
Effah also disclosed that the decision to renovate and complete the community town hall was informed by the poor condition of the facility, which had been abandoned for some time.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the intervention reflected the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to building stronger relationships with host communities through meaningful civil military cooperation.
Onyemaobi stressed the importance of access to potable water to socio economic development, adding that the renovated town hall would provide a suitable venue for community meetings, social gatherings and other activities.
He commended Effah for identifying the needs of his people and using the Quick Impact Project scheme to provide sustainable solutions to challenges confronting the community.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, protect them from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who served as Special Guest of Honour, also applauded the Nigerian Navy for the initiative.
The monarch congratulated Effah on the recognition and appealed to residents of Adiabo Akani Obio to safeguard the projects and prevent them from being vandalised.
He said the intervention would strengthen the bond between the Nigerian Navy and host communities while contributing to local development and improving the quality of life of residents.
The commissioned facilities include a 50,000 litre Braithwaite water storage tank, a solar powered industrial borehole, perimeter fencing and a community town hall.
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