Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has lauded the people of Edo State for supporting the military in its determined quest to stamp out insecurity and promote peace and tranquility nationwide.
He made the commendation on Tuesday, when he inaugurated the Pa Igbinomwanhia Uyigie Multi Purpose Hall at Iduowina Town, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.
“The good people of Edo State, who are committed to promoting peace, have earned the respect of the Nigerian Army for their unwavering support in our joint pursuit of peace, security and tranquility in Nigeria.
“The commissioning of this special intervention civil-military cooperation project represents a significant achievement in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities of carrying out crucial activities towards the realization of our non-kinetic drives”, Lagbaja said.
According to him, the operational achievements of the Nigerian Army in the southern region, particularly in Edo, can largely be attributed to the untiring support of the people of the state.
” I must, therefore, say that your steadfast dedication to the cause of securing our nation is truly inspiring.
” It is gladdening to state that the Chief of Army Staff special intervention civil-military cooperation projects symbolise the desired bond between the Nigerian Army and our beloved communities, working together towards common goals of progress and national growth,” Lagbaja said.
The COAS was represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation in the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Zakeri Abubakar.
Lagbaja added that the project was among the 220 COAS sponsored civil-military cooperation projects.
Lagbaja said the projects had huge impact on the benefiting communities, and was a testament to the commitment to building a safe and more prosperous Nigeria.
He said the projects include community town halls, boreholes, roads, supplied computers, rehabilitation of hospitals and schools and technology sources.
” Our projects are designed to complement and enhance existing basic services, amenities, and infrastructure provided by the states, well- meaning individuals, and credible non- governmental organisations,”Lagbaja said.
He said the Nigerian Army was committed to serving and uplifting the communities across the country.
He said that the inauguration of the project conceptualised in Iduowina community would not only be celebrated but serve as a beacon as well as promote mutual trust between the army and the communities.
Earlier in his remark, Edo governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Commissioner for Safety and Security, Mr Kingsley Uwagbale, lauded the Nigerian Army for the project.
He said the state would partner with the community in the area of skill acquisition and training of Edo youths.
“We will come back here for a reassessment, for possible partnership for the good and growth and development of the state”, Obaseki said.
Odionwere of the community, Pa Stephen Ogbeide, appreciated the army for the gesture.
He also extolled Maj.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, an indigene of the community, who attracted the project to the area.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were Chief of Civil-military Affairs, Maj -Gen N. C. Ugbo and 4 Brigade Commander, Maj-Gen. Dalanmi Ndahi.