The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a 250-capacity multipurpose town hall and two solar-powered boreholes in Kutia Village, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, to improve community infrastructure and strengthen civil-military relations.
The projects were executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, an initiative aimed at supporting community development across Nigeria.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the inauguration, the Chief Staff Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Steven Ibrahim said the intervention reflected the Navy’s commitment to improving the well-being of host communities and fostering stronger ties with the people.
According to him, “the project not only resonates with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, it also captures the true essence of the Nigerian Navy’s Quick Impact Project.”
He noted that the facilities would “enhance the quality of lives in the community” and appealed to the people of Cross River State for continued collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and related agencies to promote peace and security.
Also speaking, the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Clement Atebi, described the intervention as a symbol of “unity, progress, hope and collective aspirations.”
He explained that the town hall would serve as a centre for community meetings, educational programmes, cultural activities, social gatherings, conflict resolution and youth empowerment initiatives.
“This facility will strengthen the bonds of peace and harmony among our people,” he said.
On the solar-powered boreholes, Atebi said the facilities would “improve public health, reduce water-borne diseases and improve the quality of life in the village.”
He attributed the successful execution of the project to the visionary leadership and generosity of the Chief of the Naval Staff and called on residents to protect and maintain the facilities for future generations.
Responding to the gesture, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Utsu Felix Okudare, appreciated the Nigerian Navy for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.
Okudare said the multipurpose hall would benefit the wider Obudu community, enhance the pursuit of peace, security and social cohesion.
The Monarch said, “we have been crying for an intervention like these. The Nigerian Navy has sowed a seed for peace; for unity amongst the people. In this hall, we will gather for peaceful resolution and other activities that will advance peace and security in our community.”
The people of Kutia, including women and children dressed in colourful attire, warmly welcomed the Nigerian Navy and expressed appreciation for the projects.
They commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for extending the Navy’s role beyond security operations to initiatives that directly improve the welfare of local communities.
The Nigerian Navy launched the Quick Impact Project in 2024 to strengthen civil-military cooperation, support the Nigerian Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and honour distinguished senior naval officers through community development initiatives.
With the commissioning of the solar-powered boreholes and multipurpose town hall, residents of Kutia village are expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water, better sanitation, enhanced public health, and a stronger platform for community dialogue, youth engagement and peaceful coexistence in Cross River State.
