FIC Report (Imo State) – The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reinforced the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations with the inauguration of key community development projects in Umuokoro Lowa Uboma, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.
The projects, comprising a newly constructed modern town hall and a 5,000 KVA electricity transformer, were facilitated under the Nigerian Navy’s Special Quick Impact Project (SQIP), an initiative mapped out to promote community development through impactful interventions by outstanding senior naval officers. The projects were attracted to the community through the efforts of Rear Admiral Michael Igwe, Director of Weapon Electrical Engineering at the Naval Headquarters, a prominent indigene of the area.
In his remarks during the inauguration, Vice Admiral Abbas who was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation , Rear Adm. Chijioke Onyemaobi stressed that civil-military cooperation remains an important aspect of the Nigerian Navy’s operational philosophy, fostering productive engagement between the military and the civilian population while contributing to national development and security.
He further stated that the Special Quick Impact Project, introduced in 2024, was conceived to recognize outstanding senior officers by enabling them to execute sustainable community-based projects capable of improving the living standards of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond military responsibilities by promoting social development, strengthening public confidence in the Armed Forces, and creating stronger bonds between security agencies and their host communities.
He observed that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as its emphasis on infrastructure development, improved welfare, and inclusive grassroots development.
He expressed confidence in the long-term positive impact of the projects and urged members of the benefiting communities to safeguard the facilities through proper maintenance and responsible use, while encouraging them to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information capable of enhancing peace, security, and national development.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, represented by the deputy governor, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, in his address, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Armed Forces and his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and community development across the country.
He described the Nigerian Navy’s intervention as a remarkable demonstration of patriotism and service to humanity, noting that the projects would not only improve the living conditions of the people but also promote unity, strengthen community development, and stimulate socio-economic activities in the area.
The governor equally praised Rear Admiral Michael Igwe for remembering his roots despite his distinguished military career, describing the intervention as a worthy example of selfless leadership and giving back to society. He admonished beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities by protecting them against vandalism as well as ensuring they remain functional for future generations.
Rear Admiral Igwe, in his welcome address earlier, disclosed that the projects were conceived to deal with the developmental challenges facing Umuokoro and the neighbouring Umunzeduru community.
According to him, residents had endured more than three years without electricity after the community’s transformer became faulty beyond repair, leaving homes, schools, businesses and healthcare facilities in darkness.
He further explained that the installation of the new 5,000 KVA transformer, which was energised about two months ago, has since restored stable electricity to the communities and surrounding settlements, thereby reviving commercial activities and improving the general standard of living.
Rear Admiral Igwe also revealed that the intervention also included the construction of a fully equipped town hall with a seating capacity for about 80 persons, complete with modern conveniences and sanitary facilities.
He noted that the new structure replaced an ageing community hall built in the 1970s, which had become dilapidated and unsuitable for public gatherings.
The senior naval officer then expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for approving the project, providing the necessary financial support, and demonstrating visionary leadership that ensured the successful completion of the intervention within a short period, adding that the projects would continue to serve as catalysts for community growth and development for many years.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, a community leader Chief Collins Nwachukwu thanked the Nigerian Navy and Rear Admiral Igwe for the life-changing intervention describing the restoration of electricity and provision of a modern town hall as long-awaited developments that have brought renewed hope and relief to the people.
He also appealed to the Federal Government, Imo State Government and other public-spirited individuals to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy by addressing the severe erosion threatening parts of the community as well as the poor state of access roads, noting that resolving the environmental and road infrastructure challenges would unlock greater economic opportunities and further improve the welfare of residents.
The inauguration ceremony brought together several prominent personalities from within and outside Imo State, including the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, traditional rulers, senior government officials, military officers, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and other distinguished guests who gathered to witness the landmark occasion.
AKUSHIE, CHIOMA MARK HELEN
HOC. FIC., OWERRI
11/07/2026
