COAS COMMISSIONS CIMIC PROJECTS, STRESSES IT WILL ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE BENEFICIARIES

COAS COMMISSIONS CIMIC PROJECTS, STRESSES IT WILL ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE BENEFICIARIES

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has on 14 October 2023 commissioned set of renovated and furnished blocks of classroom, borehole and toilet facilities in Mbiabong Etim Primary School in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as part of the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects (CSICP), stressing that the projects will enhance the educational well-being of the beneficiaries in the community. The commissioned projects were in honour of Major General Udoh Bassey who is an illustrious son of the community.

Speaking further at the event, the COAS said the CSICP was introduced to provide support to communities of serving Nigerian Army (NA) senior officers across the nation whom through service and dedication to duty have risen to the enviable rank of Major General in the NA, noting that the projects are meant to complement already existing basic services, amenities, and infrastructures provided by the states in the communities.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja stated that current security challenges in the country require a comprehensive approach and support of the civil populace. He maintained that the CSICP carry out by the NA in several communities across the country meant to provide the desired succor in areas of need and to further strengthen the existing relationship with the host communities, which has significantly complemented the NA’s effort at containing the multifaceted security challenges facing the nation, particularly through a non-kinetic line of operation. He urged them to providing timely information to the NA and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities for socio-economic activities to thrive.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Projects Initiator, Major General Udoh Bassey on behalf of the Mbiabong Etim community thanked the COAS for his support and intervention towards executing the projects, adding that people of the community are very happy with the current state of the primary school which was hitherto in bad shape. He stressed that the facility will therefore boost the learning environment of the pupils in the community.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman Ini LGA, Hon Isreal Idaisin thanked the COAS for his support and gesture for gracing the commissioning of the projects. He said the community remains very grateful for the gesture. He also thanked that Project Initiator for the love of the community. "We are very proud of the NA and our own son", he stated. 

Also speaking at the event, the Archbishop Methodist Church of Nigeria, Portharcourt Diocese, Archbishop Emmanuel Udofia commended the NA under the command of the COAS. He expressed his happiness on executed projects in the community, assuring him that the projects will be put in good use. He therefore prayed for the NA, project initiator and good people of Mbiabong Etim community.

While in Akwa Ibom, the COAS also used the visit to commission the newly constructed Military Cantonment Mbiokporo, where he charged the troops to remain disciplined and committed to duties. He therefore assured them of his continued support.

The event was graced  by the Akwa Ibom State Governor ably represented by the Secretary to the State Governor, Prince Enobong Uwah, serving and retired senior officers, members of Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association,  Clergymen, Traditional rulers and Host of community leaders among others.