Civil-Military Cooperation Affirms Nigerian Army’s Transformational Drive Towards Achieving It’s Constitutional Responsibilities — COAS

Civil-Military Cooperation Affirms Nigerian Army’s Transformational Drive Towards Achieving It’s Constitutional Responsibilities — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, has said that Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities affirm Nigerian Army’s transformational drive towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities through non – kinetic means. He stated this during the commissioning ceremony of a newly built and equipped Computer – Based Test (CBT) Center, in Igbaja, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State on 20 June 2024. The construction of the CBT Centre was executed by Major General Adelokun Eyitayo under the COAS’ Special Intervention CIMIC Project Scheme.

The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, expressed delight at the impactful nature of the CBT project, while stressing that the scheme, was introduced to support communities of serving senior officers of the NA across the nation, who had distinguished themselves in service and attained the rank of Major General. He said the scheme had proven to be a suitable avenue and opportunity for the NA to associate and collaborate with communities across Nigeria with the aim of impacting positively on their lives.

In attendance were the Executive Govenor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrazaq Abdulrahaman, members of Kwara State Executive Council, Major General Frank Etim who represented the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army) Major General Nosa Ugbo, the Commander 22 Brigade Brigadier General Femi Williams, representatives of Security Agencies in Kwara State as well as His Royal Majesty, the Elese of Igbaja Oba Ahmed Awuni Arepo III, and other members of the Igbaja Traditional Council.

Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, further expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor and people of Kwara State, for the tremendous support and good working relationship the NA has continued to experience in the state, adding that the NA’s operational successes within the state and beyond is a product of the sustained good relationship.

The COAS appreciated the project executor, Major General AA Eyitayo, for completing the project in good time and quality and urged the people of Igbaja community to adopt good maintenance culture over the project for the benefit of all.

The COAS, also extended his appreciation to the President, Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance and unwavering support, while stating the NA’s unalloyed loyalty to the President and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Executive Governor of Kwara State, while making his remarks, thanked the COAS for extending such a laudable project to his people. “This CBT Center means a lot for socio-economic growth of this community. I am also fascinated by the spirit behind this project. It is timely and necessary”, he said. He stated that the military has played very important roles in aid to civil authorities and deserves to be well appreciated and honoured. The Governor pledged to donate 250 computers and installation of Solar Power System for the CBT Center and charged the project executor to ensure adequate security of the computers and Solar facilities to be placed in the Center.

Earlier in his welcome address, the project executor, Major General Adelokun Eyitayo, appreciated the COAS for the lifetime opportunity and charged the community leaders to ensure the project stands the test of time to serve the intended purpose.

The event also witnessed the
launching of 3 books authored by Major General AA Eyitayo, namely; Life of Prince Dauda and, Spirituality, The Boy on the Highland, and Tears for Suni and Titi. The project executor and the construction engineer, Major Fwangshak Lere, led the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC 2 Division, the Elese of Igbaja and other dignitaries to cut the commissioning tape and conduct guided tour of the project.