The Nigerian Army has embarked on a nationwide outreach effort, undertaking over 300 intervention projects across the six geopolitical zones.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commissioned projects in Lutheran Primary School, Nung Udoe, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, 10 July 2024.
The projects, part of the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation projects, aim to support communities and enhance the socio-cultural well-being of the people. The COAS expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic guidance and support.
“The Nigerian Army has so far undertaken over three hundred intervention projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country,” said Lt Gen Lagbaja. “These projects include constructing and rehabilitating hospitals and health facilities, schools, and community town halls, sinking of boreholes, and construction of roads and other amenities to give succor to the people in support of government efforts.”
The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting communities and fostering cooperation between the military, government, and civilians. “The idea of the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation projects was initiated to support communities of Nigerian Army’s senior officers, who have served the nation for over three decades,” he said.
The event was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umoh Eno, and other dignitaries, who commended the COAS and the Project Executor, Major General Solomon Udounwa (Rtd), for their dedication and commitment to the project.
“The implementation of this venture reflects our collective vision for a more secure, prosperous, and harmonious society,” said Gen Musa. “As this institution of learning is being commissioned today, there is a need to reaffirm our commitment to working together towards peace, stability, and progress for all Nigerians.”
The projects commissioned include the rehabilitation of two blocks of classrooms, the construction of a perimeter fence around the school with a security post, and a borehole with overhead tanks, provision of pupils’ desks and toilet facilities, and general repainting of the school. Others include improvement to the access road and re-grassing of the football field.
The event also featured the coronation of the CDS and COAS with traditional chieftaincy titles and the award of scholarships to students drawn from tertiary institutions and secondary schools.
The COAS expressed optimism that the projects will positively impact the people of the community and enhance the socio-cultural well-being of the people of Nung Udoe and its environ. He also commended the Project Executor, Major General Solomon Udounwa (Rtd), for a job well done and for the love shown to his people.
The Nigerian Army’s outreach efforts demonstrate its commitment to supporting communities and fostering cooperation between the military, government, and civilians. The project is a testament to the army’s efforts to win the hearts and minds of Nigerians and garner support for ongoing operations to mitigate security challenges in the country.
