Muhammad Nur Tijjani
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 community development and strengthening civil-military relations across the country.
The two service chiefs made the commitment on Monday at the inauguration of Special Intervention Projects jointly executed by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy in Koya community, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
The projects include a newly constructed mosque, a borehole, a healthcare facility, and a tree-planting initiative aimed at improving living standards and promoting environmental sustainability.
Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the Nigerian Army remained committed to contributing to the welfare of host communities through civil-military cooperation programmes.
He said the projects reflected the Army’s resolve to foster mutual trust and partnership with civilians, adding that such initiatives help strengthen national unity.
The COAS commended Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Ahmad for facilitating the development projects, describing his effort as exemplary and impactful.
In his remarks, Ogalla, represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Kano, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Anakwe, said the projects, which included two 20,000-litre solar-powered boreholes and the reconstruction of a primary healthcare centre, were executed under the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative.
He said the quick-impact projects, introduced in 2024, were designed to promote mutual trust between the military and civilians while improving social infrastructure in host communities.
“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 Ahmad, an indigene of Koya Gari, for sponsoring and executing the projects, describing them as a reflection of the Navy’s humanitarian commitment.
“His 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 CNS urged residents of the benefiting communities to use the facilities responsibly to ensure their sustainability.
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.
Residents of Koya community expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and Navy for the gesture, saying the facilities would enhance access to water, healthcare, and places of worship.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, and community members.
NAN