The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has inaugurated a town hall and a 5,000KVA transformer at Umuokoro Lowa Uboma in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State as part of the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative.
The projects, facilitated by Rear Admiral Michael Igwe, Director of Weapon Electrical Engineering at the Naval Headquarters and an indigene of the community, were executed under the Navy’s Special Quick Impact Project.
Represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, Vice Admiral Abbas said the initiative reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through impactful community development projects.
He explained that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is aimed at improving the welfare of host communities while fostering stronger collaboration between the military and the civilian population.
The Naval Chief urged residents to safeguard the facilities and continue supporting security agencies in promoting peace and national development.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodimma at the event, Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, describing the projects as a significant contribution to community development and improved living standards.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Michael Igwe disclosed that the newly installed 5,000KVA transformer has restored electricity to Umuokoro and neighbouring Umunzeduru communities after over three years of blackout caused by a damaged transformer.
He also noted that the project included the construction of a fully furnished 80-capacity town hall equipped with modern conveniences to replace the community’s old hall built in the 1970s.
Rear Admiral Igwe appreciated the Chief of the Naval Staff for providing the support and resources that made the projects possible.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Collins Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and appealed to the federal and state governments to address erosion challenges and improve the road network in the area.
The inauguration was attended by top government officials, security chiefs and community leaders, including the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso.
