The Nigerian Navy has said it is carrying out community projects to help improve the lives of people across Nigeria.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Navy has completed and commissioned 33 quick-impact projects across the country since 2024. These projects include building healthcare centres and constructing or renovating schools.
He made this known during the commissioning of a new primary healthcare centre in Umuisu-Ugbawka, located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Abbas said the Navy remains committed to serving Nigerians by improving their living conditions while also working with other security agencies to strengthen national security.
He explained that the special community projects are also meant to honour outstanding senior naval officers who have served the country well.
The healthcare centre in Umuisu was dedicated to Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (rtd), a respected member of the community who served the Navy and the country with dedication.
Abbas was represented at the event by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek. He said the Navy’s civil-military projects are designed to build trust and cooperation between the military and the public.
According to him, the new health centre will improve healthcare services in the community and also attract qualified health workers.
The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the state government has equipped the facility with furniture and medical equipment.
He also said health workers have been posted to the centre to provide 24-hour services because the facility has accommodation and solar-powered electricity for constant power supply.
Ugwu encouraged politicians and philanthropists to support residents by enrolling them in the state health insurance scheme, which costs ₦12,000 per person every year.
The lawmaker representing Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Nnoli Nnaji, praised the Navy for working with the state government and the community to make the project successful.
He said he represents 28 wards in the constituency and plans to sponsor health insurance for 50 people in each ward. He also promised to look for ways to provide tricycle ambulances for the area.
The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Sunday Nwobodo, thanked the Navy for honouring their son, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, with the project.
Nwobodo also paid for registration cards for the first 100 people who will receive treatment at the health centre and promised that the community would support the facility.
In his speech, Nwatu thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for approving and funding the project. He also appreciated the Enugu State Ministry of Health and the community for their support.
He explained that the healthcare centre was named after their late father and former Igwe-elect, Major Emmanuel Nwatu, who devoted his life to the development and welfare of the Ugbawka community.
The newly built healthcare centre is the first of its kind in the community.