The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Tuesday inaugurated a Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State.
The project was executed by the Deputy Director, Department of Transformation and Innovation NA Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Collins Adetoba.
The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Usman.
Lagbaja, represented by the General Officer Commanding GOC, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Mohammed Usman said that the project was targeted at enhacing the learning capacity of children.
The project involved unveiling the renovated and remodelled two storey blocks of classrooms, toilet facilities and a constructed borehole with water reticulation at the Local Authority Nursery and Primary School in the locality.
Lagbaja noted that the special intervention civil-military cooperation project represented a major achievement in the Nigerian Amy’s efforts to enhance the security and well-being of the people.
“I am pleased that the work was completed in good time, I have no doubt that the work is of high quality.
“This project will undoubtedly provide children with the foundation, passion and conducive environment to acquire knowledge, skills and values that will enable them excel.
“I am certain that the project will significantly contribute to the educational needs of the indigenes of Ajeromi Ifelodun and indeed the entire Lagos State,” he said.
The COAS thanked the people of Lagos State for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army and urged them to continue to be law abiding citizens.
“Please, always provide useful information to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to enable us provide the required safe and secured environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation in the country,” Lagbaja said.
He said that the conduct of nonkinetic operations, was paramount to the Nigerian Army in order to garner the necessary support from the citizens towards combating insecurity in the country.
“The Nigerian Army recognises that our nation’s security and progress depends on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders towards nation building.
“Our projects are therefore, carefully conceptualised to elicit substantial interest from the people who are expected to take ownership for its management.
“These projects are equally executed to complement the existing services, amenities and infrastructure provided by government at all levels and well meaning individuals and organisations,” the COAS said.
Lagbaja said that the Nigerian Army had so far constructed and rehabilitated hospitals, schools and libraries as well as the provision of computers and other information and communication technology facilities.
“Others are construction of community town halls, roads and sinking of boreholes among several others.
“I wish to state that these projects have impacted positively on the communities and contributed to our non-kinetic drives within the contemporary security environment,” the COAS said.
He said that the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project was designed to be executed by Nigerian Army senior officers who through hard work and dedication to service had risen to the enviable rank of major general.
“This initiative reflects my commitment to sound administration, which is one of the central pillars of my Command Philosophy.
“I will continue prioritising the welfare of troops and their families in order to enhance their performance in carrying out assigned tasks.
“Also, this aspect of my command philosophy is being extended to communities to encourage their support and trust in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Lagbaja thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous strategic guidance, invaluable support and the confidence he had placed in the Nigerian Army.