Commander Corps Of Engineer Visits 6 Division, Reassures Of Excellent Engineering Services As GOC Commissions Soldiers’ Transit Accommodation

Commander Corps Of Engineer Visits 6 Division, Reassures Of Excellent Engineering Services As GOC Commissions Soldiers’ Transit Accommodation

The Commander Corps of Engineer (CCE), Major General Tonye Numbere has reassured of delivering excellent engineering services in the Nigerian Army (NA) and beyond. He gave the assurance, while on a familiarization visit to the Headquarters, 6 Division, Port Harcourt Barracks, today 6 February 2025.

The CCE called on the leadership of the Division to continue entrusting the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineer (NAE), with more projects, assuring of quality delivery, cost-effective construction, and timely completion. He further stated that his visit was part of the ongoing tour of formations and units to familiarize himself with the successes and challenges facing the NAE across the NA formations, since he assumed command on 21 January, 2025. He expressed his desire to build a formidable Corps that would stand the test of time in terms of quality service delivery.

Major General Numbere has also undertaken to revive the combat engineering capabilities that have diminished over time. He noted that, while the Corps has excelled in Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices operations, other essential areas such as field defence works, water supply, and bridge construction had suffered setbacks. Restoring these capabilities, he said, was necessary to strengthen both operational efficiency and infrastructural development in the Barracks.

While, welcoming the CCE, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended him for his vision and assured him of support, particularly in strengthening the 46 Engineer Brigade (EB) in the Division. He further emphasized his firm belief in direct labor and the need to rely on in-house expertise, rather than outsourcing projects. He referenced ongoing projects within Port Harcourt Barracks, while commending the contributions of the Commander, 46 EB, Brigadier General Ekeoma Odoemele. He stressed the need for the Corps to take the lead in infrastructural developments nationwide.

The GOC pointed out that capacity development would only be feasible if opportunities were given to the Engineers to execute projects and improve, expressing the confidence he has on their capabilities.

Relatedly, the GOC commissioned a newly constructed Jimmy Soldiers’ Transit Accommodation, an initiative conceived and executed by the immediate past Commander, 56 Signal Brigade (SB), Brigadier General Olukorede Akande. He commended his large heart and unique initiative in achieving such a remarkable stride within a short time. He encouraged other commanders to emulate what has been achieved by picking up a project and hit the ground running. This he said, is the only way they can add value to the system.

Major General Emekah emphasized that the project aligned perfectly with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s “Soldiers First” mantra, which essentially prioritized troops welfare. He commended the outgone Commander 56 SB, Brigadier General Olukorede Akande for his foresight, which translated into the construction of a transit accommodation, that at least provided a shelter for young soldiers on arrival to unit. He called on the beneficiaries to maintain the project.

Earlier, the Commander 56 SB, Brigadier General Olukorede Akande thanked the GOC for his support that brought the project to completion, adding that the idea was birthed on his assumption of command, with a forehand knowledge of the challenges of accomodation in his formation.

He appreciated the GOC, for being a visionary leader, who prioritized troops welfare and his uncommon support that made the project a reality. He urged the beneficiaries to maintain the project.