Navy chief Idi Abbas says electricity is an essential driver of socio-economic development, given its relevance to education and security in the country.

Mr Abbas said this during the inauguration of a Rural Electrification Project (5000KVA electricity transformer) at Ikot Edeghe community in Mkpat Enin council area of Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.

Mr Abbas said that restoring electricity to the Ikot Edeghe community would undoubtedly improve the quality of life of the residents and contribute meaningfully to the development of the community.

“The project will support education, stimulate commerce, enhance security and create opportunities for growth,” Mr Abbas stated.

He explained that the navy under his leadership remained committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation and supporting initiatives that promoted national development and social cohesion.

Mr Abbas explained that the country’s security and prosperity were strengthened through meaningful development.

“This understanding continues to buoy the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts and the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project (SIQIP) scheme, which seeks to address critical community needs while fostering a stronger bond between the armed forces and the people,” he added.

He restated that his vision, dedication and commitment to community development were clearly reflected in the successful execution of the project through this noble initiative.

He commended the facilitator, Etop Ebe, director of the Maritime Bureau, for identifying his community and utilising the opportunity and funds provided under the CNS (SIQIP) scheme to bring massive relief to the people of Ikot Edeghe.

“He has demonstrated that leadership is most meaningful when it positively impacts the lives of others,” Mr Abbas said.

The navy chief added that the navy would continue to partner with communities across the country in ways that foster peace, security and progress. He urged the beneficiaries to protect and maintain the project to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

Mr Ebe said the inauguration of the CNS (SIQIP) marked another significant milestone in the navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and supporting national development through sustainable community-focused initiatives.

He also said the project was expected to improve the socio-economic well-being of the Ikot Edeghe community by restoring electricity, enhancing security, promoting economic activities and improving the overall quality of life in line with the federal government’s renewed hope agenda.

The project facilitator said that the village had been plagued by a lack of power supply occasioned by vandalism, theft, degraded power transformers, distribution lines and associated facilities.

“For almost 10 years, this unwholesome situation has contributed to disillusionment of the youths and also hampered job creation,” he said.

He explained that the detailed project plan was conceptualised and proposed to the navy in February with a completion period of four months.

(NAN)