The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has inaugurated
newly constructed hostel block and solar-powered borehole at the Torrey home for handicapped children in Tudun Maliki quarters, Kumbotso local government area.
Ogalla, represented by Director Civil Military Relations, Navy, Rear Admiral Michael Igwe, said that the project was a civil-military engagement aimed at fostering harmonious relations between the Navy and local communities.
He said the project was executed under the Chief of Navy Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, a senior research fellow, Nigerian Army heritage center, Abuja.
The naval Chief noted that Civil-Military Cooperation, both traditionally and globally, involves the collaboration between the military and civil society to achieve strategic military objectives and missions.
“In line with this, the Naval Chief, launched the Special Quick Intervention Project in 2024. The initiative aims to further the Nigerian Navy’s reinvigorated Civil-Military Cooperation mandate and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These projects not only honor the Navy’s distinguished senior officers but also demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to serving the Nigerian people beyond its primary role of securing lives and property,” he added.
According to him, the hostel consists of four rooms with attached toilets, a matron’s room, and a borehole.
He said that the project aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, and reflects the goals of the Quick Impact Projects initiated by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Ogalla further said that in keeping with the tenets of civil-military cooperation, the good people of Tudun Maliki and Kano State at large would continue to collaborate with the Navy and other security agencies to eliminate threats of the collective well-being of Nigerians.
Earlier, the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the initiative, under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, marks a significant day for humanity, the Nigerian Navy and indeed the good people of Kano State.
Abbas noted that the Nigerian Navy values the co-operation, support and goodwill it receives across the country in general and particularly where it operates or have Bases/Units.
“It is pertinent to state that the Nigeria Navy has its Logistics School at Dawakin Tofa and has many sons and daughters of this State in its Service.
“As a way of saying thank you for the sacrifices of the sons and daughters of this State in the NN and to particularly honour me having reached the zenith of my carrier in the NN this project was approved by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
“The project aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff vision of fostering security development and strong relationships with the civilian populace.
“This project was chosen by me to better humanity by giving handicapped children a modest living space,” he added.
According to him, some of the children in this home are not only handicapped but are also orphans with no known relatives.
He then appealed for a collective support for the home in caring for these great children.
In a remark, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf who was represented by Director General special duties, Air Vice Marshall Ibrahim Umar rtd, lauded the naval chief and the project facilitator for the gesture.
The governor called on individuals, philanthropist and organizations to render help and care for this children so as to give them the comfort and filling that they remain part of the society.
“It is my believe that all handicap and disable children have the right to have access to quality education to achieve their full potential and participate in the society.
“Here in Kano we make sure that this handicap children enjoy inclusive education which refers to an approach that aims to provide all children including those with special needs and disabilities equal access to quality education,” he said.
Yusuf revealed that plans had bn concluded to inaugurate People Living with Disabilities Commission reaffirming the administrations commitment towards supporting handicap children to achieve higher quality life.
