By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has on Tuesday 10 September, 2024 reiterated that the Nigerian Army is people-centric and is therefore, determined to ensure peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians.
He made the remark while commissioning the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Okuku community in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
According to him, the Nigerian Army recognises that the nation’s security and progress depend on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders, as he stressed that military action alone cannot overcome the security challenges confronting the nation.
In a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the COAS said that the Army solicits the support and cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians to combat security challenges in the country.
The CIMIC projects executed in honour of Major General Eyitayo Folusho Oyinlola is part of the COAS Special Civil Military Cooperation Intervention Projects in communities from where senior officers who have attained the enviable rank of Major Generals in the Army hail.
While at the Palace of the Olokuku of Okuku, His Royal Highness, Oba Abioye Oyebode Oluronke II, the COAS pointed out that the Nigerian Army under his watch undertakes CIMIC projects to close the gap between the Army and the Civil population with a view to promote cordial co-existence, galvanize support and give impetus to ongoing efforts at combating security threats and challenges across the country.
The Olokuku, in his remarks, noted with delight that the visit of Lt Gen Lagbaja is the first by any COAS to the ancient town. He appreciated the COAS for honouring their son and the Okuku community with the projects.
The projects commissioned by the COAS include the renovated and furnished Odo Otin Grammar School Examination hall, donation of 200 units of tables and chairs, the refurbished Entry and Exit gates of the school, and installation of a 500 KVA transformer as well as electrification expansion at the Odo-Igbo Ogo Oluwa Community.
The COAS remarked that it was a delight to officially handover the completed projects to the peace-loving people of Okuku.
He commended Maj Gen Oyinlola for identifying the essential needs of the community and executing the projects to address those needs.
Speaking earlier in separate remarks, the Project executor, Maj Gen Funsho Oyinlola and the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj Gen Nosakhare Ugbo respectively appreciated the COAS for sponsoring the projects and for ensuring the sustenance of the laudable initiative of giving back to society, assuring that it would impact meaningfully on the lives of the people.
The senior officers urged the beneficiaries to utilise and maintain the facilities to justify the huge investment.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Governor of Osun state Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi and former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, while the Principal of Odo-Otin Grammar School Mrs Monisola Onibokun equally expressed appreciation on behalf of the school to the COAS for the gesture and pledged their readiness to maintain the facilities provided by the Army.
The event was witnessed by Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Community Leaders, Commanders, senior officers and well wishers, among others.
