… INAUGURATES FACILITIES AT EPE BARRACKS
By Okosun Dennis
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has expressed his readiness to assist host communities with basic social amenities where Army barracks are domiciled that would make life comfortable for the indigenes.
While addressing officers at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess, Epe which included the Oloja of Epeland and members of the traditional council shortly after inaugurating the Nigerian Army Ordnance School and other facilities, expressed satisfaction with the quality of projects executed within the barracks.
The Army Chief who began a five-day Operational visit to 81 Division Area of Responsibility on Sunday, his first to the division since his appointment as the 22nd army boss by President Muhammadu Buhari on 27 May 2021, is expected to tour different Brigades and Commands under the Division.
Appreciating the cooperation the army has continuously enjoyed from the host Community since the relocation of the barracks, Lt Gen Yahaya assured the Oloja of Epeland of the service continued provision of basic amenities.
According to him, “We have a long-standing history with the community. In that line, in our efforts to strengthen our relationship with the host community, which we have always done; that is why we have a department at the Nigerian Army headquarters of Civil-Military Affairs that would enhance our relationship with the host community and with other civil societies.
“In that regard, we would continue to foster good relations. However, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we shall continue to provide needed facilities. Specifically, during Nigerian Army Day Celebrations, we conduct a free medical tests and dispense drugs.
“As we are here, we would identify with you more and look out for those areas we can assist the community,” the COAS reiterated.
The Commandant of the School, Maj Gen Adeyemi Alabi, who conducted the COAS round the facilities, later assisted him to unveil the plaque commemorating the official commissioning of the school which consists of 26 Classrooms; one Auditorium named after Maj Gen OA Akintade and the Administrative block. The COAS also performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Sports Complex.
During his tour of the barracks which was relocated a couple of years ago due to the expansion of the Railway line at Ebute Metta where it was formerly domiciled, Lt Gen Yahaya also planted a tree along with the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu, and other senior officers.
In addition, the army boss also inaugurated the Nigerian Army Medical Reception Station (MRS); the Officer’s Mess and Soldiers’ Canteen.
In his remarks, the Oloja of Epeland, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun expressed delight in having the COAS visit his domain to commission facilities located in the barracks.
While assuring the army of its continued assistance, added that where the need arises, they would assist and also ensure that all their facilities are secured and protected.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/army-chief-solicits-for-mutual-cooperation-with-host-communities/
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