The Nigerian Navy has donated a solar-powered industrial borehole and a community town hall to Adiabo Akani Obio in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The projects, which include a 50,000-litre Braithwaite water storage tank and perimeter fencing, were executed under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project scheme in honour of the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.

Effah, a native of the community, said the water project was inspired by his childhood experience of seeing residents, particularly women and children, trek down a hill to fetch water from a stream.

He said he consulted community elders and youth leaders before selecting the site to ensure that the intervention addressed the community's needs.

According to him, the facility had already attracted residents before its official commissioning, with people queuing to fetch water.

Effah said the project would provide access to safe drinking water, improve public hygiene and complement the efforts of the Cross River State Government.

He also said he decided to renovate and complete the community town hall after observing that the facility had been abandoned and was in poor condition.

Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, said the intervention demonstrated the Navy's commitment to strengthening relations with host communities through meaningful civil-military cooperation.

Onyemaobi said access to potable water was essential to socio-economic development, while the town hall would provide a suitable venue for community meetings and social activities.

He urged the beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure that they remained useful for future generations.

The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, commended the Navy for the initiative and urged residents to take ownership of the projects and protect them from vandalism.

The monarch said the intervention would strengthen relations between the Navy and host communities while improving the welfare of residents.