The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday commissioned nine boreholes and Dikam Dungku community health post in Fungzai community of Bwai District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, under the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Special Quick Impact Projects, facilitated by Rear Admiral Habila Dunku Zakaria.
The commissioning ceremony, held on December 23, 2025, brought together military officers, traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, and residents of beneficiary communities.
The boreholes were constructed in nine communities Ser, Mpil, Fungzai, Nanbum, Kubon, Dungpet, Dung’kyam, Kubat, and Timnanle while the newly built community health post is expected to serve Fungzai and surrounding settlements.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Nan’manle Dangton, said the project was part of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to civil–military cooperation and grassroots development.
Rear Admiral Dangton explained that the Quick Impact Projects initiative was introduced in 2024 to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen peaceful coexistence between the military and host communities.
“Beyond securing lives and property, the Nigerian Navy is committed to improving the quality of life of Nigerians. This project is a testament to our resolve to win hearts and minds through development,” he said.
He described the project as a milestone in the Navy’s civil–military cooperation efforts, noting that access to clean water and basic healthcare would significantly improve living conditions in the area. He subsequently cut the ribbon and formally commissioned the facilities.
In his remarks, the Project Facilitator, Rear Admiral Habila Dunku Zakaria, expressed gratitude to God and the Nigerian Navy leadership for the opportunity to give back to his community.
“Today, we are not just commissioning boreholes and a building; we are opening a future of clean water, good health, dignity, and well-being for our people, especially women and children,” Zakaria said.
He explained that the health post would serve as a first line of defence for disease prevention, basic treatment, routine check-ups for the elderly, immunization for children, and referrals to larger health facilities in Mangu, Bwai, and Jos.
Rear Admiral Zakaria urged the community to protect and properly utilize the facilities, warning against vandalism and misuse, while charging health workers to discharge their duties with empathy and commitment.
The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, represented by Councillor Iliya Lemun of Kabon Community, described the project as unprecedented in the history of the area.
“These projects address our most basic needs—water and healthcare. As a local government, we sincerely appreciate this gesture and assure you that the facilities will be protected and sustained,” he said.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, represented by the Sector 8 Commander, Mangu General Area, Colonel Oluwaseyi S. Fagbemi, donated medicines to the health post as part of the military’s non-kinetic operations.
“This project will have a lasting impact on the community. As part of our contribution, we are donating drugs for children and the elderly to support healthcare delivery here,” Fagbemi stated.
Earlier, Dr. Caleb Daburum, Chief Medical Director of Nanret Ji Bethel Hospital, Mangu, educated residents on the importance of clean water and primary healthcare, noting that the boreholes would help reduce waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid fever.
Village heads of beneficiary communities also gave testimonies. Da Inusa Dapan, Village Head of Mpil, said his community received four boreholes, while Philemon Dampel, Village Head of Fungzai, said the community benefited from two boreholes and previous medical support from the facilitator.
The event featured special prayers by the Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Jacob Irmiya Dashop, as well as traditional dance performances by community members.
In his vote of thanks, His Royal Highness, Da Gabriel Gushaar, the Mishkaham District Head of Bwai, commended the Nigerian Navy and the facilitator, describing the intervention as life-changing for a community that had endured years of hardship.
The ceremony also included the decoration of the CNS representative, presentation of plaques and awards, and cultural displays in appreciation of the Nigerian Navy’s intervention.
