By TalkJudith
GOMBE, Aug. 27, 2026 — The Nigerian Navy has commissioned three solar-powered boreholes in Jekadafari Community, Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State, in honour of retired Rear Admiral Shehu Usman.
The projects were executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Scheme as part of efforts to foster community development and improve access to potable water.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the project comprised three solar-powered boreholes, each equipped with a 10,000-litre overhead water tank and perimeter fencing.
Abbas, who was represented by the Director of Projects Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, said the initiative was implemented under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation programme.
He said the project underscored the Navy’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its traditional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
According to him, the Special Quick Impact Project was launched in 2024 to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation mandate and contribute to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Chief of the Naval Staff described the Jekadafari project as another milestone in the Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts, noting that it was also in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Also speaking, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the Nigerian Navy and the facilitator of the project, whom he described as a true son of Gombe.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Alhaji Shehu Yarima-Abdullahi, reiterated the state government’s commitment to partnering with initiatives that promote meaningful development.
He urged residents of the community to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper utilisation and maintenance.
Speaking at the event, retired Rear Admiral Shehu Usman said the initiative was his modest contribution towards giving back to his community.
He apologised for not maintaining close contact with his people over the years, attributing it to the demands of his military career.
Usman disclosed that he had initially planned to provide 12 solar-powered boreholes in Jekadafari but was able to complete three.
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, represented by Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the Dawakin Gombe, also commended the retired Admiral for giving back to his community.
He urged members of the Emirate Council residing in the area to ensure that the facilities remained functional and continued to serve the community.
The commissioning of the boreholes is expected to improve access to water for residents of Jekadafari while further strengthening the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the host community
