…AS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF COMMISSION PROJECTS IN UYO
The Nigerian Army said it has undertaken over 300 Intervention Projects across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in a conscious move to propel the Nigerian Army’s (NA) Non-kinetic efforts to win the hearts and minds of Nigerians and garner support for ongoing operations to mitigate security challenges bedeviling the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, disclosed this on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, while commissioning projects in Lutheran Primary School, Nung Udoe in Ibesiokpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
COAS while delivering his address at the commissioning ceremony, said “The Nigerian Army has so far undertaken over 300 intervention projects across the six geo-political zones of the country.
He described some of the projects executed by the Nigerian Army including “Constructing, and rehabilitating hospitals, and health facilities, schools, and community town halls, sinking of boreholes, and construction of roads and other amenities to give succor to the people in support of government efforts”.
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja reiterated that the idea of the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation projects was initiated in a bid to support communities of Nigerian Army’s senior officers, who, through dedication to duty and service to the nation, have risen to the enviable rank of Major General having served the nation for over 3 decades.
The COAS expressed the belief that the just commissioned projects will positively impact the people of the community, adding that he was optimistic that the projects will go a long way in enhancing the socio-cultural well-being of the people of Nung Udoe and its environment by fostering cooperation between the people, the military, and the government.
Gen Lagbaja commended the Project Executor Major General Solomon Udounwa (Rtd) for a job well done and for the love shown to his people. He also appreciated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for leading a high-powered state delegation to the event. He expressed profound gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and invaluable support to the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa in his Goodwill message, congratulated the COAS and the Project Executor for their dedication and commitment to the successful execution of the project, which he said will undoubtedly impact positively the lives of the residents of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Gen. Musa, “The implementation of this venture reflects our collective vision for a more secure, prosperous, and harmonious society”. He maintained that “as this institution of learning is being commissioned today, there is a need to reaffirm the commitment to working together towards peace, stability, and progress for all Nigerians and continue to bridge the gap between the military and civilian populations, building trust, understanding, and cooperation.”
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umoh Eno, who spoke through the Commissioner of Internal Security and Waterways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd), eulogized the collaboration between the military and the government in achieving the milestone.
He stated that the project is a shining example of what could be accomplished when people work together towards a common goal.
He lauded the COAS and especially the Project Executor, for having the good heart to embark on the project, and for putting the interest of his people and the state in mind.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Project Executor, Maj Gen Solomon Udounwa (Rtd), stated that the projects commissioned were initiated and sponsored by the Nigerian Army as part of the COAS Special Intervention Projects.
The project consists of the rehabilitation of two blocks of classrooms, the construction of a perimeter fence around the school with a security post, and a borehole with overhead tanks, provision of pupils’ desks and toilet facilities, as well as general repainting of the school.
Others include improvement to the access road and re-grassing of the football field. Maj Gen Udounwa expressed appreciation to the CDS and COAS for the honour accorded him.
The high point of the event was the coronation of the CDS and COAS, with traditional chieftaincy titles and award of scholarships to students drawn from tertiary institutions and secondary schools.
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