By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army (NA) marked its 161st anniversary with a bang, commissioning quick impact projects in Plateau State and providing free medical services to the community. The benefiting communities were Mangu, Rigom, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas of the State
A statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Wednesday,said the projects, which include renovated classrooms, solar-powered boreholes, and toilets, demonstrate the Army’s commitment to winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians through civil-military cooperation and community development.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, during his remarks, emphasized the importance of giving back to the communities and fostering civil-military cooperation to enhance cordial relationships and build trust.
He urged the community to take ownership of the facilities and support the Army in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Commissioning one of the projects, comprising renovation of blocks of classrooms, solar powered borehole and toilets at Mangun, in Mangu LGA, the COAS noted that the project is at the instance of an illustrious son of the community, Major General Godwin Mutkut, who currently serves as General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
General Lagbaja emphasized that the Army Headquarters initiated such projects as a way of giving back to the communities of senior officers of the rank of Major General, who have served meritoriously and distinguished themselves.
The Army Chief urged the Mangun Community to take full ownership of the facilities and utilize it to the benefit of all. He also urged the community to support the NA and other security agencies in their bid to rid the Plateau of criminal elements bent on destroying the state’s good fortune.
The Army Chief expressed gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his immeasurable support to the NA. He also thanked the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, for their guidance and leadership. Gen Lagbaja equally appreciated the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, for supporting the NA in its efforts at restoring enduring peace to Plateau State.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, who is an illustrious son of the community, Major General Godwin Mutkut on behalf of the Traditional Council and Mangun Community expressed gratitude to the NA for the projects. He pointed out that the NA in its efforts to build confidence and earn the support of the civil populace in the fight against security challenges across the nation initiated some projects across the country, stressing that the projects in Mangun will have positive impact on the well-being of the community.
The GOC maintained that the project will significantly provide enhanced learning environment for the community and go a long way in the fight against insecurity, as the young minds will be engaged academically and contribute meaningfully to the society.
In a related development in Riyom Local Government Area, the COAS commissioned another set of Blocks of Classrooms and solar powered borehole at Hoss community Secondary School Ta-hoss, Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
The Army Chief remarked that the choice of Ta-Hoss for the intervention was informed by the fact that it is one of the communities negatively impacted by farmer-herder conflicts on the Plateau, hence, the effort by the NA to help the community recover.
He averred that the blocks of classrooms would provide a conducive environment for learning, while the borehole with about 40,000-litres water storage capacity and other facilities will promote healthy living for the pupils and the community at large, especially now that cases of cholera are being reported in some parts of the country.
Similarly, in commemoration of 161 years of its existence, the Nigerian Army also conducted a free medical outreach at the University of Jos Main Campus Primary School, Angwan Rogo community, Bauchi road, Jos, where a large number of residents were availed free medical services to access medical examinations and tests, treatment for diverse ailments, as well as free medical check-up.
The event witnessed the distribution of free medication, eye glasses, mosquito nets, clutches, and wheel chairs to physically challenged persons.
Additionally, health talks and counselling were conducted to sensitize the community on the implications of substance and drug abuse.
The Army also conducted a free medical outreach at the University of Jos Main Campus Primary School, providing free medical services, medication, eye glasses, mosquito nets, clutches, and wheelchairs to the community.
According to the statement, health talks and counseling were also conducted to sensitize the community on the implications of substance and drug abuse.
The Nigerian Army’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to comprehensive crisis management and its desire to win the hearts and minds of Nigerians. The Army’s initiatives have positively impacted the community, providing a conducive learning environment and promoting healthy living.
