…AS COAS VISITS PALACE, INAUGURATES PROJECTS IN 81 DIV
By Okosun Dennis
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu 1 has warned members of the public, especially the youths, to desist from attacking and destroying public utilities at the slightest provocation.
He spoke at his palace on Wednesday during a courtesy visit on him by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya as part of his three days Operational Activities/tour to 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
In his remarks, he said that “Under no circumstances should public utilities be damaged. It’s ungodly for people to damage public facilities provided for the use of the people.
“I thanked the 81 Division during the 23rd October 2020 #Endsars incident. For soldiers, the training is for them to shoot, those who blame men of the 81 Division are making mistakes. There was no single death recorded at the Oba’s palace.”
Making his prediction of a bright future for the country, especially during the general election in 2023, Oba Akiolu said there would be “peaceful elections both before and after.” He admonished the youths to shun violence noting that some of them are too over-ambitious. The quest for money among the youths is getting too much, he reiterated.
However, while making a special appeal through the COAS to the Federal Government, observed that Lagos State deserves special attention cum status adding that the humongous task of running Lagos State is too heavy for only a state government to bear or handle.
In his remarks, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya who was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj Gen Musa Umaru and other Corp Commanders and Principal staff officers from the Army headquarters, said that as part of his operational activities at the Division, he appreciated all the efforts made by the palace to improve security and create needed aware.
The COAS noted that he finds it expedite to visit the Royal palace; pay his respect and homage as well as get the royal blessings especially being his first visit to the council.
From the Oba’s palace, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) proceeded to Isaleko to commission borehole and treatment plant as well as 35 Solar-powered streetlights around the Ojiu Olokun general area of Isale Eko in Lagos.
It was disclosed that the project was part of continued efforts to improve civil-military cooperation and garner support in combating insecurity in the Lagos metropolis.
“The idea behind the Special intervention Project,” the COAS explained was “to ensure that it brings development and succour to the communities of serving Nigerian Army Generals across the nation who through dint of hard work have contributed immensely to curbing insecurity.”
It was learnt that the project was approved at the instance of Major General Kamilu Olayinka Kadiri, the NA Commander Corps of Engineers who is from Lagos Island.
According to Major General Kadiri, the decision to sink boreholes and install Street lights was based on extensive consultations with stakeholders in the community.
In his remarks, Gen Kadiri further said the project included four water points with each having two boreholes powered by four 250 watt solar panels and the other with electric generators.
Earlier, the COAS was at the Dodan Barracks, Obalende, where he inaugurated the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Official quarters and handed the fully furnished apartment to MWO Aniekan Udoekpo, RSM 81 Division.
Later, at Abalti Barracks, Surulere, the COAS also inaugurated another Regimental Sergeant Major Official quarters with the key handed over to the Nigerian Army Engineer RSM.
At Marda Barracks, Yaba, he commissioned the Warrant Officers and Sergeant Mess while he had a brief tour of the barracks with a view to seeing the level of dilapidation of facilities and know areas that require urgent renovation and reconstruction.
Also at the Ordnance Headquarters, Abalti Barracks, the COAS made a ground-breaking ceremony by laying the foundation stone of the Administrative Battalion block at HQs Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp as well as the inspection of ongoing projects.
The operational activities continue on Thursday to other barracks within 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.
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