The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbass, has called on the people of Taraba State and Nigerians at large to continue collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, the Armed Forces and other security agencies to collectively tackle the security challenges facing the country.

Vice Admiral Abbass made the call yesterday while commissioning a Special Intervention Quick Impact Project in honour of Rear Admiral Enoch Kwetishe at Kumbai community in the Yangtu Development Area of Taraba State.

The naval chief, who was represented by the Chief of Administration at the Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Wunuji Mamman, said the remodelled project — comprising three blocks of classrooms, furniture and other facilities — would have a positive impact not only on Kumbai community and neighbouring villages, but also on Taraba State and the nation as a whole.
He described the project as part of the Navy’s civil-military cooperation initiative, which promotes close interaction between the military and civil society in the pursuit of national development and security objectives.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Navy’s mandate to strengthen civil-military relations and contribute to the Federal Government’s development agenda.
“These projects provide an avenue for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers, while reaffirming our commitment to serving Nigerians in diverse ways,” he said.

Rear Admiral Mamman commended Rear Admiral Kwetishe for choosing to give back to his community through education, noting that his gesture reflected the courage and compassion required to make meaningful change.
He urged the beneficiary community to protect and properly utilise the facilities.

“We appeal, in line with the tenets of civil-military cooperation, that the people of this community, Tarabans and Nigerians as a whole, should continue to collaborate with the Navy, the Armed Forces and other security agencies to eliminate threats to our collective interests,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Kwetishe, who appeared visibly emotional, took guests down memory lane, recounting his time at the school.

He said his decision to give back to his alma mater, his community and Taraba State was driven by a sense of responsibility and gratitude.

He added that if given another opportunity by the Navy, he would do even more to provide much-needed social amenities for the school and the wider community.

Also speaking, the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, represented by the member representing Donga, Takum and Ussa Federal Constituency, Dr Mark Bako Useni, commended Rear Admiral Kwetishe for prioritising education. He urged other leaders and individuals in positions of authority to emulate his example by investing in community development.