…AS 81 DIV GOC STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH CUSTOMS TO FORTIFY BORDERS
In line with the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives aimed at fostering public confidence and strengthening civil relations, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has honoured exceptional students from schools within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
The students distinguished themselves in the recently concluded 2nd Edition of the COAS Literary Competition 2025.
Receiving their prizes from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding academic performance and literary prowess.
The event held at the Division Headquarters, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos as part of the activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 162nd Anniversary Day Celebration (NADCEL 2025).
The GOC urged them to sustain their pursuit of excellence and discipline in their studies. He also commended the pivotal role of the parents and teachers in shaping the character and intellect of the students.
The competition featured various categories, with notable performances from students across schools within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, which included Lagos and Ogun State.
After a thorough assessment, the winners include: Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua of Federal College of Education Staff School Oshele, Ogun State, emerged first in the Primary Arts category with a cash prize of ₦250,000. Edgar-Okoh Tehila Ozioma of Command Day Secondary School Ikeja Lagos, clinched the first position in the Secondary Essay category with a cash prize of ₦600,000 while Ofulue Ekene of Babington Macaulay Junior Secondary School Ikorodu, Lagos secured the second position in the same category with a prize money of ₦250,000.
Others are: Oluwadare Marvelous John of Treasure Home School Ifo, Ogun State emerged third in the Secondary Essay Category with a cash prize of ₦100,000, and Alexis Agenhta of Square College Lekki Lagos took third place in the Secondary Arts Category with a cash prize of ₦100,000 .
During the ceremony, cheques were presented to the winners as part of the awards. Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs Naomi Edgar-Okoh expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding for providing a platform that encourages academic excellence and promotes intellectual development.
In a related development, the GOC 81 Division expressed commitment to collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen security in the border areas within its Area of Responsibility.
This assurance was made during a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding by the Comptroller of Customs in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “A”, Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu. The General Officer Commanding emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in combating smuggling activities and ensuring a secure environment that supports economic growth.
The Comptroller also expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation from the officers and soldiers of 81 Division, highlighting the critical role the Division plays in enhancing Customs operations. The event concluded with the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
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