Navy inaugurates 500 seaters ultra-modern hall in Edo Community
The Nigerian Navy has gifted a 500-seater capacity ultra-modern hall, including mini marts complex and Information Technology garden to Ibore-Uneah Community in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas inaugurated the project on Saturday, under the CNS’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
Abbas who was represented by the Director, Nigerian Navy Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek said that the security and prosperity of the country could better be strengthened when communities were given the necessary empowerment through impactful development.
“This understanding continues to guide the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts and the CNS’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
“The scheme seeks to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.
“Today’s event is another demonstration of that commitment,” he said.
The naval chief said that the project was timely, impactful and aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of the people.
According to him, it will provide a conducive venue for meetings and other events in the community as well as enhancing the quality of life of the residents.
“I commend the project facilitator, Rear Admiral
Mike Oamen (rtd) for identifying this critical need within his community.
“I also commend him for utilising the opportunity and fund provided under the
CNS’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme to bring lasting relief to the people of Ibore-Uneah Community.
“His vision, dedication and commitment to community development are clearly reflected in the successful execution of this project.
“Through this noble initiative, he has demonstrated that leadership is most meaningful when it positively impacts the life of others,” he
Abbas appreciated the government of Edo, the traditional rulers, community leaders, contractors, project team and all the stakeholders for their cooperation and contributions to the successful completion of the project.
He emphasised that sustainable development could be
achieved when institutions and communities worked collectively.
The naval chief reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s committment to strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation that promote national development and social cohesion.
Abbas urged the beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure it’s sustainability for the future generations.
Earlier, the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Oamen (rtd), expressed gratitude to the CNS for the strategic vision and continuous support in bringing the project to reality.
Rear Admiral Oamen, a former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command said that the CNS, through the project scheme had further demonstrated that the duty of the Nigerian Navy extends beyond maritime security to the direct welfare and impactful development of communities across the country.
“When I conceptualised and initiated the idea for this project, it was born out of a clear strategic observation.
“Historically, Quick Impacts and Civil-Military intervention of this nature were carried out almost exclusively by the Nigerian Army.
“While this initiatives have served communities across Nigeria, I recognised a vital opportunity for the Nigerian Navy to expand it’s footprint in non-kinectic grassroot civil assistance.
“As a naval officer, I felt it will be essential to facilitate a naval-backed intervention in my community and I am deeply grateful to the Naval Headquarters for enforcing the vision,” he said.
Oamen noted that the project served as practical demonstration of civil-military relations and civic partnership.
He added that the project was designed to yeild immediate and practical benefits, enhanced civic interaction, strengthens local infrastructure and fosters grassroot socio-economic empowerment.
The retired naval boss noted that, beyond military hardware,
national security could also be achieved through sustained mutual trust, goodwill and shared progress between the Armed Forces and civilian population.
“When military actively invest in the social infrastructure, it reinforces the fundamental truth that our military personnel are drawn from the communities,” he said.
Oamen thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support throughout the execution of the project.
He expressed hope that the project would be utilised as a focal point for unity and progress.
Responding, Community Spokesman, Mr Victor Evbohimen, thanked the facilitator and the Nigerian Navy for the project.
According to him, “the community has been struggling to have a town hall, before this intervention, it shall be well with the facilitator and the Nigerian Navy”.
Speaking with newsmen, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ebhalemen (rtd), former Director at the Nigerian Armed Forces command and Staff College, Jaji, appreciated the CNS for the project.
“I am from Esan Central, I want to appreciate the CNS for the assistance given to the facilitator to have completed this laudable project,” he said.
Ebhalemen appealed to the residents to take ownership of the project and ensured it was maintained to the benefits of everybody in the community.
Highlights of the event were cultural dance and acrobatic display by the community youth as well as the cutting of tape by the CNS representative.
The event was attended by the sons and daughters of the community, officers
and men of the Nigerian Navy and sisters security agencies and among others.
