Navy inaugurates 60,000-litre solar water project in Kwara community
The Nigerian Navy on Thursday inaugurated a 60,000-litre industrial solar-powered borehole and water reticulation project in Esie Kingdom, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, is aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and supporting rural development.
The project was dedicated in honour of retired Rear Adm. Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina, and the late Princess Basirat Mohammed-Katsina.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, was represented by Rear Adm. Raheem Taofeek, Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, at the event.
Abbas said the intervention demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to national development beyond its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
He said the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, introduced in 2024, was designed to deepen civil-military cooperation and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These projects provide an avenue for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that, beyond safeguarding lives and property, we remain committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other meaningful interventions,” he said.
Abbas said the Esie project comprises an industrial solar-powered borehole, a water reticulation network, a 60,000-litre overhead tank and five water distribution points to serve residents of the community.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerians through practical community-based interventions.
He commended Rear Adm. Mohammed-Katsina for sponsoring the project, describing the retired naval officer as compassionate and committed to humanitarian service.
Quoting author Maya Angelou, Abass said, “It takes courage to be kind,” adding that the gesture would leave a lasting impact on the people of Esie Kingdom.
He also quoted Robin Sharma as saying, “Each person who delivers kindness stays with us forever,” expressing confidence that the project would improve the living conditions of residents and further strengthen the bond between the Nigerian Navy and the community.
While congratulating the sponsor and the community on the completion of the project, Abass urged beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability.
“We wish to enjoin the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly so that they will endure,” he said.
He also urged residents of Esie Kingdom and the state at large to continue cooperating with the Nigerian Navy, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies to address threats to peace and national security.
He expressed gratitude to the Esie community and the state government for their support throughout the execution of the project, noting that their cooperation was instrumental to its successful delivery.
In his remarks, the Elesie of Esie Kingdom, Oba Yakub Babalola (Egunjobi II), expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and Rear Adm. Mohammed-Katsina for the execution of the project.
The traditional ruler urged members of the community to emulate the retired naval officer’s gesture and adopt a maintenance culture to protect the facility for present and future generations.