Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has urged the residents of Angbasa in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State in north central Nigeria to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in establishing a safe and secure environment conducive to the thriving of socio-economic activities.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja made this appeal during the commissioning of the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects in the community.
Lagbaja, who was represented by the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kevin Aligbe, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges through non-kinetic approaches and improving the well-being of communities where the Nigerian Army operates.
He explained that the Special Intervention Projects Scheme was introduced to support the communities of senior officers of the Nigerian Army who have achieved the rank of Major General, a
cknowledging their dedication and service to the nation. According to him, this initiative also fosters positive relationships and collaboration between the Army and the civilian population across the country.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja added that the projects are meant to complement the existing services and infrastructure already provided by the three tiers of government and philanthropists in various communities.
‘The Nigerian Army has so far executed numerous projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
‘The provision of basic education forms the bedrock of security and development, helping children acquire foundational skills that will prepare them for life, work, and active citizenship. This project will enhance the learning experience of the children in Angbasa and its surroundings,’ he said.
The COAS urged the Angbasa community to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance to maximize the benefits.
He also commended Major General Etsu-Ndagi for executing the developmen
tal projects in his community, while expressing gratitude to the people of Lavun Local Government and Niger State for their continuous support of the Nigerian Army.
He further encouraged them to join hands with the Army and other security agencies in combating crime and ensuring peace and security.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja assured the community that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will continue working diligently to resolve the security challenges facing the country.
In his welcome address, Major General Etsu-Ndagi expressed appreciation to the COAS for approving the funds needed to provide the facilities.
He noted that the people of Angbasa, who are predominantly agrarian, have embraced education by sending their children to school.
‘The COAS Special Intervention Projects have arrived in Angbasa to reverse the trend of declining enrollment and to replace dilapidated structures with new ones,’ Major General Etsu-Ndagi said.
‘Education is a passport to the future, a
nd the COAS has provided that passport for the children of Angbasa.’
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Nosa Ugbo, represented by Brigadier General Bemgba Koughna, emphasized the Army’s appreciation for the tremendous support it has received from the people of Niger State.
He noted that their cooperation has been instrumental to the Army’s operational successes in the state and across the North Central Region.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the existing collaboration between the Army and the community to effectively defeat the adversaries of the nation.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Chairman of Lavun Local Government Area, Hon. Isa Kutigi, represented by the Education Secretary, Jibrin Alhassan, commended the COAS for providing the Special Intervention Projects to Angbasa.
He expressed confidence that these projects would improve the quality of education for the children of Lavun LGA and have a lasting impact on future generations.
He also assured the COAS tha
t the local government would continue to maintain the facilities and make effective use of them.
Angbasa is the hometown of the Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, who supervised the projects on behalf of the Nigerian Army.
The projects include the renovation of an old block of five classrooms, the construction of a new block of three classrooms, and the installation of a borehole at Angbasa Nursery and Primary School.
Source: Voice of Nigeria