Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commissioned a solar-powered Borehole in Dungaje, Mona Ward of Balanga Local Government Area, under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Quick Intervention Projects executed in honour of Rear Admiral Umar Sammy Ayuba Chugali (Rtd).
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, was performed by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, on behalf of the Governor.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr Barnabas Malle; senior military officers; traditional rulers; and other dignitaries.
In his remarks, Jatau commended Rear Admiral Chugali for attaining a distinguished rank in the Nigerian Navy, which he said attracted impactful development projects to his community.
He also appreciated both the former and current Chiefs of Naval Staff for ensuring the successful execution of the intervention projects.
Jatau noted that the construction of the solar-powered borehole, alongside classrooms earlier built through the personal efforts of Rear Admiral Umar Chugali, directly addresses the pressing needs of the Mona community.
He said the interventions align with the Inuwa Yahaya administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, and water supply, which he described as essential to life.
The deputy governor further commended the Nigerian Navy and Rear Admiral Chugali for extending their impact beyond military duties to community development.
He urged community members to take ownership of the projects by protecting and maintaining them for sustainable use.
Speaking on Rear Admiral Chugali’s retirement, Dr Jatau advised him to continue serving humanity, noting that retirement should not mark an end to meaningful engagement. Drawing an analogy from the law of motion, he encouraged retirees to remain active and productive in order to maintain balance in life.
In his address, Rear Admiral Ayuba Umar Chugali explained that the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative is aimed at strengthening relations between the military and civilian population while contributing to national development. He said the Special Quick Intervention Project were designed to honour Senior Nigerian Navy officers from the rank of Rear Admiral.
According to him, the projects—comprising a 60,000-litre capacity solar-powered 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 Ayuba Chugali expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for supporting Mona’s development, particularly through the construction of the road linking the community to the Gombe–Yola highway, which he said has opened the area to further growth. He also appealed for the electrification of the community to enhance socio-economic activities.
In a vote of thanks, the Nidu Grah of Cham, Dr James Chachis, appreciated Rear Admiral Chugali for his service to the nation and for attracting development projects to his community.
He also commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for ongoing projects in the Chiefdom, while appealing for the completion of the road linking Mona to Bambam and the provision of electricity in the area.
The Chairman of Balanga Local Government Council was represented by the Council Secretary, Ibrahim Salisu. Traditional rulers present at the event included the Bala Waja, Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed, and the Folo Dadiya, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Galadima and District Head of Zambuk,Alhaji Ibrahim Usman.
Jack A.Tasha Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
