Navy Lights Up Community After 15 Years to Honour Officer

The Nigerian Navy has restored electricity to the Nduk community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to honour Rear Adm. Aniefiok Uko, after more than 15 years of darkness.

The inauguration of the rehabilitated electrification project and installation of a new 300KVA transformer restored power to Uko’s home community.

This is part of the civil military cooperation intervention programmes approved by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, and funded by the Nigerian Navy under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday at the community council hall, the CNS said the Nigerian Navy recognised the facts that the security and prosperity of the nation are strengthened when communities are empowered.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chiedozie Okehie, said such understanding had continued to guide the Nigerian Navy Civil-Military efforts.

He said the CNS Special Intervention,Quick Impact Scheme sought to address critical community needs, while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed forces and the communities they serve.”It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to witness the commissioning of this project for this community after a period of 15 years.

“The Nigerian Navy recognises that security and prosperity of our nation are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful developments.

“This understanding has continued to guide the Nigerian Navy Civil Military Cooperation efforts and the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Scheme which seeks to address critical issues while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve,” Abbas said.The CNS described the electrification project as both timely and impactful.

Abbas said that the Nigerian Navy remains committed not only to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain but also to contributing meaningfully to national development through impactful community-based projects.

He said that the project would improve the quality of life of the people.

He urged the community to take ownership of the project by protecting it against vandalism and theft, to ensure sustainability for future generations.The CNS commended the facilitator for identifying critical development needs of the people.

In his remarks, Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom thanked the Nigerian Navy for its contribution towards enhancing the quality of life of the rural communities.

Eno, represented by the Commissioner of Power, Mr Iniobong Robson, said the CNS special project initiatives aligned with his administration’s ARISE agenda, which aimed at addressing development issues and enhancing security of lives of the rural communities.

Earlier, the project facilitator Rear Adm. Aniefiok Uko appreciated the CNS for his visionary leadership.

Uko noted that the CNS projects were conceived to bridge the development gap of many rural communities and strengthen relationships with the civil populace while also contributing to national development through critical interventions.

The naval officer disclosed that the Nduk community had endured 15 years without access to electricity.

Uko said that the absence of power had resulted in darkness at night, increased insecurity, and limited meaningful economic and social activities.

By Lovina Emole

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