The Nigerian Army Will Continue To Pursue Kinetic and Non Kinetic Lines Of Operations In Collaboration With Other Security Agencies — COAS

The Nigerian Army Will Continue To Pursue Kinetic and Non Kinetic Lines Of Operations In Collaboration With Other Security Agencies — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, has said that the Nigerian Army (NA), will continue to pursue both kinetic and non – kinetic lines of operations, in collaboration with other security agencies, to improve on the security situation across the country as well as sustain cordial relationship with its host communities. The Army Chief stated this on Saturday, 11 May 2024, while commissioning a newly renovated 2 storey block of class rooms, 4 staff rooms, remodeled toilet facilities and 200 newly constructed desks/chairs for pupils at Oke’Badan High School, in Ibadan Oyo State, as one of his numerous Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Intervention Projects.

In his remarks, the COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Obinna Onubogu, applauded the project executor, Major General Adeyemi Alabi (Retired), for his continued selfless service to humanity and deep commitment to community development. He also commended the Elders of Oke’Badan, Principal and Staff of Oke’Badan High School, including old and current Students, for the support given to the executor towards ensuring that the project was a success and of high standard. The COAS, expressed delight that the project is executed in Ibadan, Oyo State; while assuring the people of Ibadan that the NA belongs to Nigerians. “Like I have always said, the NA belongs to Nigerians and together as a people, we should confront the security challenges facing our dear nation.” He commended the people of Ibadan, for the continuous coorporation and support given to the NA and the conducive environment provided for every citizen.

Furthermore, General Lagbaja, appreciated the President, Commander – in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and invaluable support to the NA. He said that the supports and confidence the President reposes on the NA, empowers it to embark on several quick impact CIMIC projects in communities across the nation, which are aimed at providing the desired succour in the communities’ area of needs and to further strengthen the NA’s relationship with the people for better operational efficiency. “The COAS’ Special Intervention Projects was introduced to provide support to communities of senior NA officers across the nation, who through dedication to duty and service to the nation, have risen to the enviable rank of Major General in the NA. The projects are to compliment the already existing basic services, amenities and infrastructure of the state in these communities”, he said. He noted that several NA CIMIC projects have been executed and commissioned across the 6 geopolitical zones of the nation, resulting to a decrease in crime and criminality, as well as causing a steady improvement in the people’s standard of living. The COAS, urged the people of Oyo State, to continue to be law abiding and always provide the NA and other security agencies with useful information relevant to create a safe and secure environment for socio – economic activities to thrive.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA) – Army, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, in his remarks, appreciated the COAS for giving him the privilege to be part of the project. He reiterated that the event is one of the key aspects of NA’s quick impact projects, executed in various parts of the country as part of none – kinetic drive towards achieving its constitutional mandates. He affirmed that the NA has continued to engage with communities across the country to ensure peace, stability and socio – economic growth. “It is in this regard, that the COAS’ Special Intervention CIMIC projects are planned towards improving the living standards of well – meaning Nigerians in communities across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country”, he added. He also said that the projects are designed to win the support and cooperation of the communities; while appreciating the support from the good people of Oyo State which he said, is responsible for the continuous operational successes recorded by troops of 2 Division NA.

Speaking further, the CCMA, noted that the COAS would continue to sustain the initiative, in order to achieve the objectives of his command philosophy. The NA’s engagement with host communities is prevalent in its robust delivery of CIMIC projects which have encouraged the populace to continue to support the NA in its operations, he said. He therefore urged the people of Oke’Badan community to ensure that the facilities are well maintained for their benefit and for posterity.

Earlier in his remarks, the project executor, Major General Adeyemi Alabi (Retired), stated that the choice of Oke’Badan High School for COAS’ special intervention project, was predicated on the over aching need to provide a conducive learning environment for the youths who are future leaders. He further said, “this COAS’ Special Intervention CIMIC project is a NA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, to support the Oyo State Government’s efforts at developing the educational sector. I therefore enjoin the state ministry of education to maximise the use of the newly renovated classrooms and desks/chairs towards the pursuit of academic excellence.” He charged the management, staff and students of the school to take good care of the facilities and ensure they are adequately maintained.

The Old boy, also took out time to advice the students thus, “the foundation of your success in life is in your commitments, and seriousness attached to education. Please dedicate much of your time to study so that you can come out in flying colours”.

“While conveying the deepest appreciation of the good people of Ibadan to the COAS, let me profoundly thank our indefatigable COAS again for making available the funds for this laudable project in my community”, General Alabi said. He also appreciated the CCMA and his staff officers who he said, constantly monitored the project and ensured it was successfully completed.

The event featured sports activities and several dance displays by students, goodwill messages, tour of renovated facilities as well as group photographs. Several dignitaries including the Governor, who was represented by the chairman, Teachers Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu, the Otun Olubadan, His Excellency, Senator Rasidi Ladoja and Commissioner for Education, Oyo State, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, graced the occasion.