From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Residents of Esie Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have been urged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies as the Nigerian Navy commissioned a 60,000-litre industrial solar-powered borehole and water reticulation project to improve access to potable water in the community.
The project, executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, was facilitated by retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina in honour of his ties to Esie Kingdom through his late wife, Princess Basirat Babalola Mohammed-Katsina.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the commissioning ceremony, the Director of Veteran Affairs, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the intervention reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to national development through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programme.
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He explained that the initiative, introduced in 2024, aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by encouraging senior naval officers to undertake impactful community development projects in locations of their choice.
According to him, the Esie project comprises an industrial solar-powered borehole, a water reticulation network, a 60,000-litre overhead storage tank and five strategically located water distribution points to provide residents with sustainable access to clean water.
“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and an indication that beyond physically securing lives and property, we remain committed to serving the interests of Nigerians in other meaningful ways,” Taofeek said.
He described the intervention as another milestone in the Navy’s efforts to deepen its relationship with host communities, noting that improved access to potable water would significantly enhance the health and well-being of residents.
Taofeek also commended retired Rear Admiral Mohammed-Katsina for sponsoring the project, describing him as a compassionate officer with a strong commitment to humanitarian service.
While formally handing over the facility to the community, he urged residents to protect and maintain it for the benefit of both present and future generations.
“We wish to enjoin the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly so that they will endure,” he said.
The naval representative further appealed to the people of Esie and other communities across Kwara State to continue supporting the Nigerian Navy, the Armed Forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen peace and security.
In his remarks, retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina described the project as his modest contribution to promoting rural development, improving public health and enhancing the quality of life of the people.
“This project is to enhance rural development and improve the standard of living and community health. I appeal to the people to make good use of it because this will not be the end of what we will do for this community,” he said.
He thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff for creating a platform that enables senior officers to execute impactful community projects, pledging to continue supporting development initiatives in Esie, Igbomina land and Kwara State.
Mohammed-Katsina also described Esie as his home and expressed appreciation to the people for accepting him as one of their own over the years.
He encouraged visitors to explore the historic Esie Museum, describing it as a unique cultural heritage site, and called for continued prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of the ancient town.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Elesie of Esie Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Alhaji Yakub Ibrahim Agboola Babalola (Egunjobi II), commended the retired naval officer for the intervention, saying the project would have a lasting impact on the lives of residents.
The monarch urged other sons and daughters of Esie Kingdom to emulate Mohammed-Katsina’s philanthropic gesture by investing in projects that promote community development and improve the welfare of the people.
He also stressed the importance of proper maintenance, calling on residents to safeguard the facility to ensure it continues to provide clean water to Esie Kingdom and neighbouring communities for many years to come.
