Naval chief inaugurates 250 capacity hall, others in C’River

Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has inaugurated 250 capacity multiple purpose hall and two Solar-powered boreholes at Kutia community in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River.

Abbas who inaugurated the projects on Friday said they were executed in honour of the former Naval Chief of Training, Rear Admiral Clement Atebi.

Represented by at the ceremony by the Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Steven Ibrahim, the CNS described the event as yet another milestone in the Nigerian Navy Civil Military Cooperation records.

He added that the project not only resonates with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, it aptly captured the essence for the quick impact project as conceived by the Nigerian Navy

He expressed conviction that the project will enhance the quality of lives in the community.

While commending Atebi for completing the project on schedule, he also congratulated him and Kutia community for the noble projects and enjoined them to use the facilities responsibly.

“I want to appeal to the community and Cross River at large to, in keeping with the tenets of Civil Military Cooperation, continue to collaborate with the Navy, and other security agencies as they eliminate threats to the nation’s collective well-being,” he pleaded.

He further acknowledged the massive support from the community and Cross River State from the commencement of the project to its completion.

It would be recalled that the CNS had in 2024 launched the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project to facilitate the attainment of the re-invigorated Nigerian Navy’s Civil Military Cooperations.

The Naval boss had said that the
mandate of the intervention was to contribute to ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers.

“It is also an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, the Nigerian Navy is committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways,” he explained.

In his remarks, the projects facilitator, Atebi, said the projects represents unity, progress, hope and collective aspirations.

According to him, the town hall will serve as centre for community meetings, educational programmes, cultural activities, social gatherings, conflict resolution, and youth empowerment initiatives and celebrations.

“All this will strengthen the bonds of peace and harmony among the people of the community.”

He emphasized that the solar-powered boreholes will improve public health, reduce water-borne diseases, and improve the quality of life in the village.

He also stressed that the project would not have been possible without the visionary leadership and generosity of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

He, therefore, expressed the community’s appreciation for the opportunity and also urged the people of Kutia to protect, maintain and use them responsibly so future generation will continue to benefit.

In the same vein, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Utsu Okudare thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff for the kind gesture.

He noted that the multipurpose hall will be used by the entire Obudu community to advance peace and security through religious functions, dispute resolutions, amongst others.