By Dianabasi Effiong
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a rural electrification restoration project at Ikot Edeghe Community, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
The rural electrification restoration project was inaugurated
In honour of Rear Adm. Etop Ebe.
The project is the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Project designed to honour senior naval officers.
The CNS, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, during the inauguration of the project at Ikot Edeghe Community, Mkpat Enin LGA, said the project was initiated to demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and improving the welfare of host communities.
Abbas, represented by Rear Adm. Chijioke Onyemaobi, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, said the project aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the quality of life of Nigerians through the provision of critical infrastructure and sustainable community development.
He said that the project was also initiated to demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and improving the welfare of host communities.
He restated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, including its meaningful contribution to national development through impactful community-based projects.
Abass said, “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 urged the people of Ikot Edeghe to take ownership of the project by protecting and maintaining the facilities to ensure they continue to benefit future generations.
Earlier in his remarks, Rear Adm. Ebe expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for approving the project.
Ebe said that the people of Ikot Edeghe had endured nearly a decade without electricity.
He added that the absence of power had resulted in darkness and limited meaningful economic and social activities.
He expressed delight that the inauguration of the project would transform the community by providing reliable electricity to homes and streets, extending business hours for traders and artisans, improving the standard of living, and supporting children’s education through enhanced learning opportunities in the community.
He thanked all dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents for attending the inauguration ceremony.
The highlight of the event was the formal commissioning of the Rural Electrification Restoration Project, followed by the inspection of the installed facilities by the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries.
He described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it will significantly improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of Ikot Edeghe Community by restoring electricity, enhancing security, creating opportunities for business to thrive, and improving the overall standard of living.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its commitment to community development and Strengthening Civil-military
relations.
In attendance were the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Donald Okehie; the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Abraham Zipele; the Commandant, Nigerian Naval College Ebubu, Rear Adm. Johnson Adekunle Adewoyin; the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Rear Adm. Abdulrahman; the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE, Commodore Mohammed Manga, 2 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Nnabueze Okoloagu, the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, Captain A.O. Akinyinka; Lady Valerie Ebe, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Prince Ekpo, the Representative of the senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Sen. Ekong Sampson, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Akwa Ibom State, Brig.-Gen. Koko Essien (rtd); the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Akwa Ibom State, Capt Iniobong Ekong (rtd), Col. Kingsley Umoh (rtd), the Executive Secretary Akwa Ibom State Trust Fund, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Deacon Owoidoho Effiong; His Royal Majesty, the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, Edidem Akpan Ekpene, clan heads, community leaders, religious leaders, youth and women leaders, and other senior military officers, government officials, and members of the public.
The highlights of the event included the inauguration of the rural electrification restoration project, followed by the inspection of the installed facilities by the special guest of honour and other dignitaries.
