Army commissions borehole in Gadam as part of Corporate Social Responsibility
…as Gombe Government commends gesture
…elated Gadam Community Development Association says their water problems have been mitigated
As part of its efforts to enhance civil-army relationship the Nigeria Army has rehabilitated and commissioned a borehole in Gadam, Kwami Local Government Area.
The Commissioning was performed by the State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, on behalf Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Commissioning the project during an elaborate ceremony at the borehole site in Gadam, the Governor commended the gesture of the Army in seeking to provide succour to Nigerians in spite of their constitutional responsibilities of protection of lives and properties.
The Governor said their administration attaches so much priority to the health of the people and because water plays a prominent role in provision of quality health they embarked on the Gombe water scheme.
He said, “To God be the glory and gratitude for granting us the priviledge to attend this event that has great impact on the health and well being of the people of Gadam, Kwami Local Government Area and by implication the residents in Gombe State.
“Distinguished Guests, let me in good time bring to you the greetings, goodwill and gratitude of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya the Governor of Gombe State, the Government and residents of Gombe State. The Governor would have loved to be here in person but is unable on account of his attendance of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting holding today in Abuja. Concerned persons and those recording the trends of this administration that came on board on the 29th of May 2019, and re-elected for a second term in 2023 would have known that health is its first priority.
“Accordingly, the State established health clinics that function 24 hours in all the 114 political/electoral wards of the state. Similarly, infrastructural facilities for health care delivery were massively embarked upon. These are in addition to the numerous health programs it has introduced for the improvement of people’s health, sanitation and environment.
” However, it is lamentable that in many cases the importance of water in the provision of health services has over the years been taken for granted. The reality however is that water is everything to human beings, their health and other activities. Surely we all know this. Lovers of Gombe, it is on account of the importance of water as highlighted above that this project which basically is the rehabilitation and subsequent commissioning of the damaged Gadam Water Project is apt, germane and highly commendable. Apt and germane because we are aware of the numerous diseases, illness and health challenges that human beings face due to water shortage in a community. It is highly commendable as this is aimed at helping the state as it tries to make water available to all residents in Gombe.
” The current expansion of the Gombe Water Scheme, that is a 70% – 30% partnership between the State and Federal Government is yet another move by the state to provide basic amenities to its residents. It is interesting therefore that the military, a core security organization saw the need and importance to embark on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) whereas many civil organisations are yet to comprehend the essence of CSR. This decision and action by the Military is a great challenge to Military, Para-military or even civil organizations to do likewise. As a government that believes in the operation of the System Theory of Society, we are ready to partner, support and encourage such ventures, as taken by Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). I call on other organizations and individuals to help states in their desire to develop, since it is obvious that states are unable to cope with the numerous and emerging challenges. It is against this back drop that I most sincerely thank DICON, the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the extension of this activity to Gombe State. The State needs these because of growing population.
“As for you the beneficiaries in Gadam, I urge you to take good care of this project as it is yours. Every one of you must deep his bucket where he is to ensure that this dam is well maintained so as to serve the population. Those that provided this dam have no any other desire than this. Thank you.”
In his remarks the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, represented by Commander Armour Corps explained that the project was part of Army’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at appreciating Nigerians for support given to the Military in the course of carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He said, “the project was introduced to provide support to senior military officers from the rank of Major General. The Gadam Water Scheme is in honour of Major General Hassan Tafida who is from here.”
The Chief of Military- Civil Affairs represented the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Jos, Plateau, Major General A. B Ibrahim said the event was to handover the Gadam Water scheme executed by the Army for the good people of Gombe State in honor of Major General Hassan Tafida.
He stressed that the Army takes a deliberate step to ensure giving back to the people through their corporate Social Responsibility which helps in fostering relationship between the Army and Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Director, Defence Industry Cooperation of Nigeria ( DICON) Major General Hassan Tafida appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his benevolence geared toward providing succour to the people of Gadam by mitigating the effect of perennial water problem in the area.
He said, Gadam became a beneficiary of the program through his nomination by the Chief of Army Staff for the first quarter of the year 2023.
The Chairman Gadam Community Association, Haruna Mamuda, said the community remains grateful to the Chief of Army Staff and the the key players who contributed in the success of the water scheme.
The Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi and the Acting Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Kasimu, were amongst those who witnessed the Commissioning ceremony.
Wilson Jonah Yakubu
Press Secretary/ Information Officer,
Deputy Governor’s Office.
