The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, have reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting community development and strengthening civil-military relations across the country.
The two service chiefs made the commitment during the inauguration of Special Intervention Projects jointly executed by the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy in Koya community, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
The projects included a newly constructed Mosque, a borehole, a healthcare facility, and a tree-planting initiative aimed at improving living standards and promoting environmental sustainability in the area.
Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the Nigerian Army remained committed to contributing positively to the welfare of host communities through civil-military cooperation programmes.
He said the projects reflected the Nigerian Army’s belief in fostering mutual trust and partnership with civilians, adding that development initiatives of this nature help strengthen national unity.
He also commended the joint facilitator of the project, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Ahmad for bringing development to the grassroots.
On his part, the CNS, said the projects, which included two 20,000-litre solar-powered boreholes, the reconstruction and equipping of a primary healthcare centre in Koya Gari, were executed under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative.
Ogalla, represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Kano, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe, said the projects were part of efforts to strengthen the Navy’s relationship with host communities and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the quick impact projects were introduced in 2024 to promote mutual trust between the military and civilians while improving social infrastructure in communities across the country.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that beyond securing lives and property, we remain committed to serving Nigerians in other impactful ways,” he said.
Ogalla commended Ahmed, an indigene of Koya Gari, for sponsoring and executing the projects, describing them as a reflection of the Navy’s humanitarian drive.
“Ahmed’s gesture typifies courage and kindness, and we salute his exemplary service.
“We are convinced that this project will greatly improve the quality of life in this community and ensure that the Navy’s impact endures in the hearts of the people,” he added.
The Naval chief urged the residents of the benefiting communities to use the facilities responsibly to ensure their longevity.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the initiative aligned with the Armed Forces’ broader efforts to support nation-building and humanitarian outreach.
The projects were facilitated by Ahmad and Ahmed, both brothers and indigenes of Koya community, who served as the driving force behind the interventions.
The residents of Koya community expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and Navy for the projects, saying that they would enhance access to water, healthcare, and places of worship.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the host community.(NAN)