Nigerian Navy boosts clean water access with Esie community project

Provision of Essential Water Infrastructure

The Nigerian Navy has officially commissioned a Special Intervention Quick Impact Project at Esie Kingdom, located in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The project, inaugurated on Thursday, 30 July 2026, features an industrial solar-powered borehole, a 60,000-litre capacity overhead tank, and a comprehensive water reticulation system.

This development initiative was executed in honour of Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina (Retired). It was designed as a gesture of appreciation for the hometown of his late wife, Princess Barrister Basirat Babalola Mohammed-Katsina, and as a developmental gift to the people of the Esie Kingdom.

Corporate Social Responsibility and National Development

Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), the Chief of the Naval Staff, was represented at the ceremony by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeeq. During the address, it was emphasized that the project is a central component of the Nigerian Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

the project is part of the Nigerian Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project. He noted that the initiative also supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and serves as a means through which the Nigerian Navy recognizes and honours its distinguished senior officers.

— Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on improving the living conditions of citizens through strategic infrastructure while simultaneously recognizing the contributions of distinguished senior officers to the nation.

Community Impact and Royal Appreciation

His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Yakub Agboola Ibrahim Babalola, Egunjobi II Elesie of Esie Kingdom, served as the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion. The monarch expressed deep gratitude to the naval leadership, noting that the infrastructure would provide a lasting solution to the potable water challenges previously faced by his subjects.

a significant step toward addressing the portable water challenges facing the Esie community, adding that it would greatly enhance hygiene and sanitation standards among residents and families.

— Alhaji Yakub Agboola Ibrahim Babalola, Egunjobi II Elesie of Esie Kingdom, Esie Kingdom

The traditional ruler highlighted that the availability of clean water would fundamentally improve the health and sanitation standards within the community, offering immediate benefits to local families and residents.

Tribute to Service and Local Heritage

Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina, the facilitator of the project, extended his appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for providing the resources to implement the intervention. He noted that the opportunity to contribute to the development of his late wife’s hometown was a significant personal and professional milestone.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, including the Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Government, members of the local Council of Chiefs, and various senior military officers. The project is expected to foster stronger civil-military relations while meeting the basic needs of the Esie community.