The Nigerian Army has installed and handed over an industrial-grade water borehole to the Ohodo community in Igbo‑Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, to address chronic water shortages.
During the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Lieutenant‑General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by Major‑General Oluyemi Olatoye, General Officer Commanding 82 Division described the water project as a high-impact initiative designed to “give back to the society”.
The project was dedicated to Major‑General Patrick Eze (retired), former Commandant of the Nigerian Army Ordnance School, in recognition of his distinguished service.
According to the COAS, the initiative falls under the COAS Special Intervention Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Projects, which support communities linked to retired senior officers.
“The idea of Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil‑Military‑Cooperation Projects was conceived as part of efforts to support the communities of Nigerian Army senior officers… what concept of the COAS Special Intervention Projects is to give back to the people as essential partners in progress and we have over 200 projects scattered all over the country done with consultation with the communities.”
“The top notch basic amenities are provided to complement rural development efforts… serve to bring solutions to pressing needs, ameliorate hardship and enhance the people’s quality of life.”
Earlier at the event, the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Major‑General Gold Chibuisi, emphasized that the borehole aims to deliver reliable drinking and domestic water to Ohodo residents.
“This project was executed by Major‑General P.I. Eze (retired). It has a 30 KVA sound‑proof generator, electricity supply, solar‑powered security lighting, solar‑powered digitalised security surveillance cameras, overhead tankers and multiple dispensers, among others.”
Speaking afterwards, Major‑General Eze expressed gratitude to the COAS for sanctioning and funding the project.
He highlighted that the community previously relied on privately bought tanker water, paying ₦50,000 for 1,000 litres during the dry season.
“The situation was so bad that during the dry season my community people buy 1,000 litres of tanker water for N50,000.”
Traditional ruler Igwe Hycient Eze also voiced appreciation, welcoming the “high‑impact project” and pledging full community protection for the facility.
“We appreciate the Nigerian Army coming to bring a solution to the age‑long challenge of our community, as we bear great financial burden to get water.”
A local indigene, Mr. Nicholas Agbo, described the Army as the community’s “only messiah,” acknowledging the relief the borehole brings.
The inauguration concluded with the COAS symbolically handing over the keys to the facility to the traditional ruler.
The event also included a donation of relief items to community widows by Mrs. Regina Eze, wife of Major‑General Eze.
