The Nigerian Naval Shipyard Port Harcourt has commissioned an upgraded water supply system and a solar-powered inverter pump in the Isaka community, Rivers State, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
The project was inaugurated by Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Etop Ebbe, during a ceremony attended by chiefs, local leaders, and residents.
Speaking at the event, Admiral Ebbe said the initiative is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to promote sustainable social responsibility across the Navy’s operational areas.
“We are here to commission the upgraded solar-powered borehole, which we found necessary to activate. This is our own way of contributing to the social development of our host communities. This is really significant because Isaka Community has been our host since 1993. We found out that water is a big challenge in the community, so we now thought it best to upgrade an existing water project that had not been in use,” he said.
He emphasized the Navy’s broader strategy of community engagement and non-kinetic security, revealing that similar people-centered projects are being commissioned across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He also announced upcoming vocational training programs for Isaka youth in marine construction, shipbuilding, and industrial fabrication.
“It may interest you to know that today, as we speak, a project similar to this is being commissioned somewhere in Nigeria. The Nigerian Navy today, all over the Federation of the six geopolitical areas, are launching massive people-oriented projects to bring the Navy’s presence down to people.
“We are also going to embark upon vocational training, marine construction, ship building, fabrication, and industrial post-plastic production for youths of the community..This is just the beginning,” he added.
Representative of the Isaka community, Chief Abel Ogoh, Secretary of the Isaka Council of Chiefs, described the initiative as a “welcome development” and praised the Naval Shipyard for its longstanding partnership, including previous contributions such as life vests and community security support.
“The upgraded water system and installation of solar water pumps by the Naval Shipyard are a welcome development. The project is actually part of their corporate social responsibility towards their host community. The Naval Shipyard has had a smooth symbolic relationship with ISAKA as its host community. For example, employment of our people, donating of life vests, enforcing security, and actually protecting the safety of our people. We are happy,” he stated.
Community Development Chairman, Matthew Njamena, echoed the sentiment, calling the water project a vital intervention in a region facing significant water scarcity. He pledged continued cooperation with the Navy.
The highlight of the commissioning was the turning on of the tap and the ceremonial drinking from it by Rear Admiral Ebbe and the community chiefs.
The water project, developed by Naval Shipyard Limited reflects ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to enhance civil-military relations and deliver tangible benefits to host communities.
