Residents of Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State have received a major boost after the Nigerian Navy inaugurated a new town hall and a 500KVA transformer aimed at improving community development and strengthening civil-military relations.
The project was commissioned on Thursday by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between the military and local communities. The initiative was executed by Rear Adm. Michael Igwe, Director of Weapon Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters and an indigene of Umukoro Lowa in the Uboma community.
Represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Chijioke Onyemaobi, Abbas said civil-military cooperation remained essential in achieving security objectives while improving the welfare of citizens.
He explained that the project was part of the Nigerian Navy’s Special Quick Impact Project launched in 2024 to recognise the contributions of senior officers through meaningful community development programmes.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff, the intervention supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would leave a lasting impact on the people of Ihitte-Uboma. He encouraged residents to protect the facilities and continue working with security agencies to promote peace and safety.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma praised the initiative, describing it as a reflection of commitment to community development and improved living standards. Represented by his deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, the governor also commended President Bola Tinubu’s support for the Armed Forces.
Uzodimma urged residents to take ownership of the newly provided infrastructure, promising that the state government would continue partnering with security agencies and other stakeholders to build safer and more developed communities.
Speaking at the event, Rear Adm. Igwe revealed that the project addressed long-standing challenges faced by the Umuokoro and Umunzeduru communities. He explained that residents had been without electricity for three and a half years after their previous transformer became damaged beyond repair.
The newly installed 500KVA transformer was activated two months ago, restoring electricity to the community and neighbouring areas. The project also included a fully furnished town hall with an 80-person capacity, complete with male and female toilets, replacing a deteriorated structure built in the 1970s.
Igwe said the intervention demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with civilians while thanking Vice Adm. Abbas for providing the support and leadership required to complete the project.
Community leader Chief Collins Nwachukwu welcomed the development but appealed for further government intervention, particularly in addressing erosion challenges and the poor state of road infrastructure in the area.
