By Miriam Humbe
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, has said that the Nigerian Army (NA) will remain committed to pursuing kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations, in order to secure enabling environment for socio – economic development.
Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
2 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
The Army Chief, made the assertion on 26 February, 2025, while delivering remarks during the commissioning ceremony of one of his numerous Special Intervention Civil Military Cooperation Projects executed at Victory Comprehensive Collage, Edidi Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The collage had its Science and Home Economics Laboratories renovated and remodeled.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Dvision NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who represented the COAS during the commissioning, added that the ceremony would provide the NA with the opportunity to strengthen Civil – Military Relations and advance community development for the good people of Edidi.
He stressed that the scheme was designed to develop communities of senior NA officers, whose exemplary and selfless service to the nation have earned them the prestigious rank of Major General.
He further expressed delight over the cooperation of the people of Edidi, saying that their commitment and steadfast support for the NA remains deeply appreciated and would assist the Army in fulfilling its constitutional mandates.
“The NA has successfully executed numerous intervention projects across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria”, the COAS, said.
He enumerated some of these projects to include; construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools and laboratories, community town halls, roads as well as provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes and Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities.
The COAS, appreciated the project executor, Major General Adewale Adekeye, the community leaders, and school management for their collaborative efforts towards the successful execution of the project.
He further thanked the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the NA.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA) – Army, Major General Gold Chibuisi, who was represented by Brigadier General BS Keji, said the COAS’ Special Intervention CIMIC Projects, cut across all regions of Nigeria.
He added that they signify NA’s collective efforts towards addressing the multifaceted security challenges confronting the nation.
“The environment requires active collaboration of all well – meaning Nigerians, organizations and agencies committed to defeating our common adversaries”, the CCMA said.
He urged all to remain steadfast in working together to enhance peace and security for socio – economic activities to thrive.
The CCMA, reaffirmed COAS’ steadfastness and commitment to sustain the scheme; adding that the Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs (AHQ DCMA), would remain resolute in working towards achieving the COAS Command Philosophy.
While delivering his welcome address, the project executor, Major General Adewale Adekeye, an illustrious son of Edidi, appreciated the entire community for the support given to him during the stages of executing the project.
“I am grateful that you were with me all through the period of delivering this project”, he added, and appreciated the COAS for giving him the opportunity to execute such laudable project for Edidi community.
General Adekeye, also noted that the opportunity to be part of developing Edidi was one amongst his many life long aspirations.
He said he would remain grateful to the NA and his community, Edidi, for giving him the necessary support and platform to actualise his dreams.
He urged the students, staff of Victory Comprehensive Collage, as well as the entire Edidi community to take full ownership of the project; charging all well meaning indegenes of Edidi to prioritise the development of Edidi for the benefit of all.
In a vote of thanks, the Principal, Victory Comprehensive Collage, Edidi, Mrs Adegboyega Motunrayo, appreciated the dignitaries for gracing the occasion. She thanked the COAS, and entire NA for the opportunity given to her school and the rest of Edidi community to draw from the benefits of COAS’ Special Intervention CIMIC scheme.
She pledged to put the facilities provided to good use and for the benefit of all students. Present at the commissioning were; the King of Edidi, His Royal Highness, Oba Kolawole Aboyeji, Aretujoye I, El’ Edidi of Edidi, Chiefs and other members of the King’s Royal Council, Chairman, Edidi Development Association, Engineer Adeyemi, amongst several others.
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