By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has reinforced its commitment to community development and improved public welfare with the commissioning of a newly constructed healthcare facility in Abwor/Oyis, Lankan District, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The facility, delivered under the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, is part of the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives aimed at addressing critical community needs, strengthening relations with host communities and promoting sustainable development.
Commissioned on October 29, 2026, the healthcare facility comprises male and female wards, a maternity unit, a nurse station, a labour room and supporting conveniences to improve access to essential medical services for residents of the area.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, was represented by the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman.
Speaking on behalf of the CNS, Rear Admiral Mamman reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to deploying targeted interventions that respond to the needs of communities, noting that such projects demonstrate the Service’s resolve to contribute to social development beyond its traditional maritime security responsibilities.
He said the healthcare facility reflected the Navy’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations while supporting access to essential services that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, describing the facility as a landmark development that would serve the healthcare needs of the community and benefit generations to come.
He particularly commended the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Nan-Manle Fredrick Damtong, for his commitment to the development of his community, the Local Government Area and Plateau State.
The Chairman also acknowledged the CNS for considering the community worthy of the intervention, noting that the maternity unit would provide additional support for maternal healthcare and improve access to medical services for residents.
He assured the Nigerian Navy that the community would take responsibility for the effective utilisation and maintenance of the facility to ensure its sustainability.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Damtong appreciated the CNS for the support that facilitated the successful execution of the project and urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper use, maintenance and long-term sustainability.
The ceremony attracted government officials from Pankshin Local Government Area, the District Head and the Mishkom Mupun of Mupun Chiefdom, His Royal Highness Da Yusuf Walle Fwangbring, alongside other dignitaries.
The commissioning was followed by a tour of the facility by the CNS’s representative and other distinguished guests.
The project underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to complementing its core operational responsibilities with impactful community development initiatives, using Civil-Military Cooperation to promote public welfare, strengthen institutional relationships and deliver sustainable benefits to communities across the country.
