The Nigerian Navy has reconstructed an extended Primary Health Care Centre for the Samaru community in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects.
The CNS, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, during the inauguration of the project on Friday, said the project was executed in honour of the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu.
He was represented by the acting Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Adm. Julius Nwagu.
According to him, the provision of health care infrastructure is crucial to improving the well-being of the people of Samaru.
Ogalla added that the project had demonstrated the commitment of the navy to strengthening the health care system and ensuring that the community had access to quality health care.
He congratulated Dewu, the son of the soil, for the reconstruction and extension of the health centre, expressing confidence that the quality of health care services in Samaru would improve tremendously.
“Let me reiterate that the reconstruction and extension of this health centre is a civil-military engagement aimed at fostering harmonious and collaborative relations between the navy and the communities that benefit from it.
“The Civil-Military Quick Impact projects as we call them are targeted at communities of serving Rear Admirals in the Nigerian Navy as they identify critical Quick Impact Projects that will have maximum impact on the socio-economic well-being of the populace.
“This is aimed at winning the hearts and minds and of course the critical support of the community in all military operations in attainment of National Security objectives.
“It is against these backdrops that the Nigerian navy approved the reconstruction and extension of Samaru PHC, Zaria,’’ he said.
On his part, Gov. Uba Sani, represented by the Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof. Bello Jamo, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the project.
Sani said the project marked a critical milestone in their shared commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure of the state and, more broadly, the nation.
He said the extension of the Samaru health centre was a testament to the power of collaboration between Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Navy, and all the stakeholders dedicated to advancing public health services.
According to him, access to quality healthcare remains a priority for this administration, as we continue to prioritise the well-being of the citizens.
This is particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, disease prevention, and primary care services.
“Today’s commissioning symbolizes not just the expansion of healthcare facilities, but also the expansion of opportunities for better health outcomes in Samaru and surrounding communities.
“We are deeply grateful for the Nigerian Navy’s invaluable support in making this expansion a reality.
“Your commitment to the health and welfare of our people is truly commendable, and we look forward to further collaborations with your esteemed institution to continue building a healthier, stronger Kaduna State,’’ he said.
The Chief of Policy and Plans, sponsor of the project, Dewu, said the project underscored the commitment of the Navy’s leadership in strengthening civil-military cooperation with the civilian populace.
He said the project had also provided an avenue that would boost naval awareness among the people.
The objective, according to him, is to avail the community to access primary healthcare, promote cordial relationships and further expand the influence of the Nigerian Navy within it.
“I am glad to state that, as a distinguished son of the Samaru community, the execution of this project has brought tremendous joy to me and to our people who are the major beneficiaries as demonstrated by the massive turnout to this auspicious event.
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Almighty God for the strength and wisdom to execute this deserving project.
“As we all know, providing this healthcare infrastructure is essential for the well-being of the people as it would guarantee quality healthcare delivery, particularly for women and children.
“I am most delighted and grateful to the Chief of the Naval Staff for this unwavering gesture and support,’’ he said.