The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a 60,000-litre capacity solar-powered borehole in Dungaje, Mona Ward of Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, as part of its Civil-Military Quick Intervention Projects.
The project, executed in honour of retired Rear Admiral Umar Sammy Ayuba Chugali, was inaugurated on Friday by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the ceremony.
The event attracted top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr Barnabas Malle; senior military officers, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Jatau praised Rear Admiral Chugali for his distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy, noting that his achievements had attracted meaningful development projects to his home community. He also commended the former and serving Chiefs of Naval Staff for ensuring the successful execution of the intervention.
The Deputy governor said the solar-powered borehole, alongside classrooms earlier constructed in Mona, directly addressed the pressing needs of the community, particularly in water supply and education. He added that the projects aligned with the Inuwa Yahaya administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens through investments in critical sectors.
Dr Jatau further lauded the Nigerian Navy for extending its impact beyond core military responsibilities to community development, urging residents to take ownership of the projects by protecting and maintaining them for sustainability.
On Rear Admiral Chugali’s retirement, the Deputy Governor encouraged him to remain active in service to humanity, stressing that retirement should not mark the end of meaningful contribution to society.
In his address, Rear Admiral Ayuba Chugali explained that the Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative is aimed at strengthening ties between the military and civilians while supporting national development. He said the Special Quick Intervention Projects were designed to honour senior officers of the Nigerian Navy from the rank of Rear Admiral.
According to him, the borehole and blocks of classrooms spread across Mona represent his parting gift to the community, as the commissioning marks his final official engagement before retirement.
Rear Admiral Chugali expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for supporting development in the area, particularly the construction of the road linking Mona to the Gombe–Yola highway, which he said has opened the community to growth. He also appealed for the electrification of the area to boost socio-economic activities.
In a vote of thanks, the Nidu Grah of Cham, Dr James Chachis, commended Rear Admiral Chugali for his service to the nation and for attracting development to his community. He also praised the state government for ongoing projects in the chiefdom, while appealing for the completion of the Mona–Bambam road and provision of electricity.
The Chairman of Balanga Local Government Council was represented at the occasion by the council secretary, Ibrahim Salisu.
Traditional rulers present included the Bala Waja, Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed; the Folo Dadiya, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Galadima; and the District Head of Zambuk, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman.
