…VOWS TO TACKLE DRUG USE IN BARRACKS
By Okosun Dennis
A disturbing concern has been raised by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, over the illicit use and peddling of drugs in the society, and by extension, in the barracks, with a promise to take the fight seriously in 2023.
The GOC, while commissioning a massive “6 feet tall and 7 feet long” Hippopotamus (mascot) at the 9 Brigade Headquarters, Ikeja Cantonment, on Thursday night, said inter-agency collaborative efforts in ongoing operations such as Operation IRON FENCE, Op MESA, Op AWATSE, and Ex STILL WATER have led to various arrest of cultists, criminals, drug peddlers and tackling kidnapping on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
According to him, “It is becoming endemic in our society and all hands must be on deck to ensure that within the barracks, we curb this menace. Within 81 Division formations, we are going to do more in this direction starting from next year and we are already working on an elaborate plan to be able to address the problem of drug use within the barracks.”
Gen Ajunwa reiterated that the Division would not rest on her oars but would continue to collaborate with sister and relevant security agencies in order to strengthen inter-agency cooperation for the efficient realization of a secure environment for orderliness and socio-economic development.
In that direction, he urged relevant security agencies to step up the existing synergy towards a hitch-free 2023 General Elections, adding that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the COAS, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, is committed to seeing to the end of the fight against terrorism and other criminalities across the country.
While unveiling the Mascot, Gen Ajunwa noted that apart from “Hippo strength and resilience,” its psychological role in bringing good luck to the Nigerian Army units and formations cannot be overemphasized.
Commending the troops for remaining focused on training and contributing immensely to the security of Lagos and its environs throughout the year 2022, Gen Ajunwa added that the Headquarters 81 Division would continue to support various brigades and units under command to eradicate criminalities in Lagos and Ogun States.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Isangubong Akpaumontia said the Mascot over the years has contributed to the morale and psychological spirit of the units and formation.
A brief synopsis of the Mascot, as explained by the Commander revealed that “Before now, Palm Tree was the mascot of 81 Division as well as the 9 Brigade. However, in 2014 Hippopotamus popularly called Hippo was introduced and adopted by the Division.
“I am proud to state that the making of this massive mascot was aimed at improving the infrastructural development of the Cantonment which I began on my assumption of command.
“This is in line with the NA infrastructural development drive encapsulated in COAS Command Philosophy and upon which his vision is rightly hinged to have a “Professional NA Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission within a Joint Environment in Favour of Nigeria.”
On his modest achievements, the Brigade has completed a block of four classrooms at NAOWA School Ikeja, provided a befitting quarter guard for the Cantonment, and renovated the Headquarter Complex and the Commander’s office amongst others.
The commissioned mascot was put together by Mr. Jesem and the facility is designed with a water fountain powered by 1.5Hp water pomp to shower the Hippo at all times, aimed at giving it a replica of its natural habitat within a riverine environment besides other animated features.
Cultural displays, and rib-breaking jokes by comedians were the side attractions. The unveiling had in attendance a representative of FOC West Naval Command, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, NSCDC, LASTMA, and Customs. Others were Lagos State Commander, Man O’ War, Lucky Onimowo, and members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA).
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/gen-ajunwa-unveils-hippo-mascot-at-9-brigade-headquarters/
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