Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed his admiration for the Nigerian Army (NA) in their unwavering commitment to protecting and upholding democracy in Nigeria since 1999.
Governor Adeleke conveyed his appreciation during a visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who paid him a courtesy call on Thursday, in Osogbo.
The COAS was on a working tour of Nigerian Army formations and units in the 2 Division Area of responsibility.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that the Nigerian Army has played a pivotal role in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria by maintaining professionalism and adhering strictly to its constitutional duties as outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Governor encouraged the troops to remain resolute and continue fostering peace and unity among the people, in collaboration with other security agencies and sister services. He assured the Nigerian Army of the state’s support.
The Army Chief ,Lieutenant General Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of Osun state for their unwavering support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfill its constitutional obligations.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would remain dedicated to carrying out its assigned responsibilities.
In another development, the Chief of Army Staff today joined the Executive Governor of Osun state Senator Ademola Adeleke to inaugurate new blocks of classrooms at the Local Authority Primary School, Alusekere, Ede Osun state. The project, which was executed by Maj Gen Kamal Yusuf, comprised three new blocks of classrooms, a rehabilitated block, teachers’ office, furnishing of nine classrooms, a perimeter fence around the school and a borehole.
Speaking at the commissioning, the COAS averred that the project is a Chief of Army Staff Civil Military Cooperation Special Intervention Project, conceptualized to provide top notch facilities to complement state infrastructural development in appreciation of the people’s support to the Nigerian Army. He pointed out, however, that the intervention does not put the NA in any competition or rivalry with any group, nor is it intended to give political advantage to any serving or retired officer. He maintained, that it is a non-kinetic approach, employed by the NA to address contemporary security challenges.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj Gen Nosa Ugbo while introducing the project, noted that it is a way for the Nigerian Army to give back to the society for their support and cooperation with the NA in all its endeavours.
Meanwhile, the COAS has commissioned a Parade Ground, Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, as well as a Soldiers’ Club at the Engineer Construction Command, Ede in Osun state during his working visit to the formation. He enjoined the troops to sustain their expertise as Sappers to ensure they continue to effectively deliver vital engineering support services to the Army and the nation at large.
The Army Chief also took time to pay a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Oshogbo, HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II at his palace. Gen Lagbaja expressed appreciation to the royal father for the role of the traditional institution in ensuring peace and harmony in their domains. In his response, the Ataoja assured of his Royal blessings and support to the NA.
