Idongesit Mishael, Uyo
“Nightfall meant darkness, insecurity and a halt to meaningful economic and social life. Today, with the commissioning of this electrification project, that story begins to change.”
With these words, Director of Maritime Research, Abuja, Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, captured the relief that has come the way of residents of Ikot Edeghe community in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following the restoration of electricity after almost a decade of blackout.
The community, which had endured years without power supply, regained access to electricity on Tuesday as the Nigerian Navy commissioned a rural electrification project aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.
The intervention, executed under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, was approved by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and funded through the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
The project was facilitated in honour of Rear Admiral Ebe, an indigene of the community, who identified the electricity challenge as one of the critical needs requiring urgent attention.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Ebe expressed appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for approving the intervention, describing it as a practical response to the developmental challenges confronting rural communities across the country.
He recalled that Ikot Edeghe had remained without electricity for almost 10 years, a situation that affected economic activities, heightened insecurity and limited meaningful social interaction among residents.
According to him, the restoration of electricity would transform the community by boosting commercial activities, extending business hours for traders and artisans, improving security and creating a more conducive learning environment for children.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff at the event, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the project demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations while improving the welfare of host communities through sustainable development initiatives.
He explained that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on providing critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Navy recognises that the security and prosperity of our nation are strengthened when communities are empowered through meaningful development. This understanding has continued to guide our Civil-Military Cooperation efforts,” he said.
Describing the project as timely and impactful, Onyemaobi stressed that the Navy’s mandate goes beyond safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain to contributing to national development through people-oriented interventions.
He urged members of the community to protect the facility against vandalism and theft, noting that their cooperation would ensure the sustainability of the project for future generations.
The naval chief also commended Rear Admiral Ebe for identifying a pressing need in his community, noting that leadership is best measured by its positive impact on society.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson, applauded the Nigerian Navy for complementing government’s efforts towards improving infrastructure in rural communities.
Robson said the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project aligns with the state government’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on expanding development to underserved communities and strengthening security across rural areas.
“We appreciate the Chief of Naval Staff for these intervention projects aimed at addressing the socio-economic needs of our rural communities. This initiative complements the ARISE Agenda, which seeks to promote inclusive development and peaceful coexistence,” he said.