Abuja: The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated community development projects in Kerau Quarters, Katsina, in honour of Rear Adm. Yakubu Dahiru, an indigene of the area. The projects, executed under the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects, comprise an 80,000-litre solar-powered industrial borehole, solar-powered streetlights, and the renovation of a community school.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gov. Dikko Radda stated that the projects would improve access to potable water, enhance security through improved lighting, and provide a better learning environment for children. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, Radda expressed appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for the intervention and commended Dahiru for facilitating the projects for the benefit of his community.
Radda emphasized that access to clean and safe water remains a priority of his administration, noting that the state government had embarked on reforms to strengthen water infrastructure across the state. He detailed efforts including the rehabilitation of water treatment plants, pumping stations, transmission, and distribution pipelines, while ensuring the availability of diesel and essential water treatment chemicals.
He further urged the people of Kerau to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism to ensure their sustainability and benefit to future generations.
In his remarks, the CNS, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, highlighted that the Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects was initiated in 2024 to strengthen the Navy’s civil-military cooperation and contribute to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Represented by Rear Adm. Aminu Abdullahi, Director, Ships Spares, Abbas noted that the initiative demonstrated that the Nigerian Navy’s responsibilities extended beyond securing lives and property to supporting communities and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He commended Dahiru for completing the projects and urged beneficiaries to use and maintain the facilities responsibly.
Dahiru, the project facilitator and Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate, described the intervention as a lasting investment in the welfare and development of Kerau and Katsina State. He emphasized that the projects would improve access to potable water, enhance security, and provide a more conducive learning environment for residents.
Dahiru also disclosed that personnel of the Armed Forces from Kano and Katsina were conducting a medical outreach in the community, offering free medical consultations, treatment, drugs, and health advice. He urged residents to support security agencies operating in the state by providing useful information to help them combat insecurity.
Dahiru expressed gratitude to the CNS, Katsina Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders for their support, urging the people of Kerau to collectively protect and maintain the facilities.