The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has 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.
This is part of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects (CSICP) in honour of Major General Udoh Bassey who is a son of the community.
General Lagbaja stressed that the projects will enhance the educational well-being of the beneficiaries in the community.
The COAS said the Civil-Military Cooperation Projects (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.
He noted that the projects are meant to complement already existing basic services, amenities, and infrastructures provided by the states in the communities.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja said that current security challenges in the country require a comprehensive approach and support of the civil populace.
He maintained that the CSICP carried out by the NA in several communities across the country are meant to provide the desired succor in areas of need and to further strengthen the existing relationship with the host communities.
This, he pointed out 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 called on the communities to assist the military by providing timely information to the NA and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities for socio-economic activities to thrive.
Earlier, 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.
He said the people of the community are very happy with the current state of the primary school which was hitherto in bad shape, while stressing that the facility will therefore boost the learning environment of the pupils in the community.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon Isreal Idaisin appreciation 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.
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.
