From Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Nigerian Navy has executed several community development projects and conducted a medical outreach programme for residents of Kerau Community in Katsina State.
The projects, which were carried out in honour of the Navy’s serving Director of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Rear Admiral Dahiru Mohammed Yakubu, an indigene of Kerau, were provided under the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
The projects include the installation of an 80,000-litre capacity solar-powered water system, solar-powered streetlights, and the renovation of a community school.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony attended by sons and daughters of Kerau Quarters, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Abbas, said the intervention was part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to improve the living conditions of communities across the country.
Represented by the Director of Ship Affairs, Rear Admiral Aminu Abdullahi, Abbas explained that the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme was introduced by the Navy in 2024 to create meaningful impact in communities and support the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He said the projects provided to Kerau Community would help address water challenges and provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The Chief of Naval Staff urged residents of Kerau to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the facilities, warning against any misuse of the projects.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Dahiru Mohammed Yakubu expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the honour done to him, describing the commissioning as a memorable occasion.
Dahiru, who is a native of Kerau Quarters, commended the large turnout of indigenes of the community from Katsina and Kano states, while also appreciating the Navy for organising the medical outreach, which provided drugs and healthcare services to residents.
In his remarks, Governor Dikko Umar Radda said the commissioning of the water project would complement his administration’s efforts towards addressing water scarcity in the area.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Abdulkadir Nasir, Governor Radda assured residents that the water challenges affecting communities across the state would soon be resolved.
He disclosed that his administration had awarded a contract for the completion of the Zobe Dam project, which is expected to provide water supply to Katsina metropolis, Radda, Rimi, and other local government areas.
Governor Radda commended the Nigerian Navy for complementing government efforts in tackling challenges facing communities in the state.