The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has commissioned solar and electric powered treated boreholes and Streetlights in Ojiu Olokun general area of Isale Eko community of Lagos state.
The Commissioning which took place on 23rd March 2022, was part of efforts to improve Civil-Military Cooperation between the public and the Nigerian Army (NA).
While commissioning the project, the Army Chief disclosed that the notion behind the COAS’ Special Intervention Civil Military Cooperation Project was to give back to communities, whose sons and daughters served the nation and attained the pinnacle of their career as serving Generals of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS noted that the project was approved at the instance of Major General Kamilu Olayinka Kadiri, the Commander Corps of Engineers, Nigerian Army, who hails from Lagos State.
Extensive consultation
While giving an insight into the project profile, Major General Kadiri disclosed that the decision to sink boreholes with treatment plants and install Streets Lights in the community was premised on needs assessment and extensive consultation with stakeholders in the community.
The Army Engineers Corps Commander further stated that the project includes 4 water points, spread across the community, with each having two boreholes powered by four 250 watt solar panels and the other powered with electric generators as alternative power source.
He pointed out, that all the water points have reverse Osmosis purification plants to treat the water.
Illuminate the community
General Kadiri further said that there were also thirty eight 200 watts solar powered street lights installed at different locations to illuminate the community.
Aside the Isale Eko project, the COAS also commissioned two newly completed official residences for Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) of 81 Division and Corps of Engineers in Dodan and Albati Barracks respectively.
The Army Chief also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu at his Palace in Lagos.
Assess the security situation
Speaking during the visit, General Yahaya informed the Royal father that he was on an operational tour of 81 Division Area of Responsibility to assess the security situation and ongoing operations.
He appreciated the Oba and the people of Lagos for their support to 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, stressing that the cordial civil-military relations in the state has enhanced the Division’s operational engagements in Lagos and the adjoining states.
The monarch while responding, lauded the continuous co-operation and peaceful coexistence between residents of Lagos and the Army.
He noted that 81 Division in synergy with other security agencies have efficiently maintained peace and tranquility in Lagos and other adjoining states.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Lateefah Ibrahim
