Agency Report
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated three solar-powered borehole projects in Gaya, Kano, to improve access to potable water and support community development.
The projects, located at Gaya UMC, Kofar Gabari and Alawa communities, were executed under the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scheme is in honour of Rear Adm. Aliyu Ahmad-Gaya (rtd.).
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Adm. Pakiribo Anabraba, said the projects demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to initiatives that directly improved citizens’ lives.
Abbas said national security went beyond protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and maritime interests to addressing the basic needs of communities.
“National security also stands when communities are empowered, basic needs are addressed and citizens are given the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and productive environments,” he said.
He said access to safe and reliable water was fundamental to public health, sanitation and socio-economic development.
Earlier, Ahmad-Gaya said the provision of potable water was essential to human dignity, public health and community development.
He said the projects were designed to reduce the hardship residents faced in accessing water for domestic and other essential needs.
“National security cannot be achieved through military operations alone, but also through mutual trust, understanding and cooperation between the armed forces and the civil population,” he said.
Ahmad-Gaya urged the Gaya Local Government Council and residents to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
The Emir of Gaya, Dr Aliyu Abdulkadir, represented by the Dan Galadiman Gaya, Alhaji Abdullahi Nayaya, commended Ahmad-Gaya for the intervention.
He said the projects would improve access to hygienic water, particularly in communities that had experienced water challenges.
