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By Abubakar Umar
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated an industrial solar-powered borehole and water reticulation project in Esie Kingdom, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to improve access to potable water and strengthen civil-military relations.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, was dedicated to retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina and the late Princess Basirat Babalola Mohammed-Katsina in recognition of their contributions to the development of the Esie community.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Director of Veteran Affairs at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeeq, said the intervention reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting national development beyond its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Rear Admiral Taofeeq explained that the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, introduced in 2024, was established to deepen civil-military cooperation while complementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through impactful community-based projects.
According to him, the Esie project consists of an industrial solar-powered borehole, a water reticulation network, a 60,000-litre overhead storage tank and five water distribution points, all designed to provide sustainable access to clean water for residents of Esie and neighbouring communities.
He commended the Kwara State Government and the Esie community for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project, noting that their support was instrumental to its successful completion.
Rear Admiral Taofeeq also praised Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina for facilitating the project, describing him as a compassionate leader whose humanitarian gesture would have a lasting impact on the lives of the people.
He urged beneficiaries to protect and properly maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability, while calling on residents of Esie Kingdom and Kwara State to continue supporting the Nigerian Navy, the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to promote peace and security.
In his remarks, the Elesie of Esie Kingdom, Oba Yakub Ibrahim Agboola Babalola (Egunjobi II), expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and Rear Admiral Mohammed-Katsina for the intervention.
The monarch urged residents to take ownership of the facility by safeguarding it and encouraged other well-meaning sons and daughters of the community to emulate the philanthropic gesture.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
