By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has just concluded a 3-Day operational visit to 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Area of Responsibility (AOR).
During the visit, the COAS commissioned several signature projects, initiated and executed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, and his subordinate commanders.
While in Port Harcourt Barracks, the COAS commissioned the Headquarters 6 Division Office Complex Extension and the Python Harmony Centre.
Additionally, he commissioned projects executed by 6 Division Garrison under the leadership of Brigadier General S Ahmed.
These projects include newly constructed 2 x 10-family Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQs), remodeled 7 x CBQs, a remodeled Cantonment Office, and a newly constructed Petroleum Oil Lubricant Point, while 29 Battalion’s remodeled Quarter Guard and a 10XCBQs among others, were also commissioned.
In 16 Brigade, Bayelsa State, the COAS commissioned the newly built 16 Brigade Annex Complex executed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo. The COAS also commissioned a electrification project undertaken by NDDC as part of corporate social responsibility. Additionally, a Garrison House newly built by Lieutenant Colonel Sheriff Kaigama was further unveiled.
Others included the remodeled 5 Battalion Quarter Guard, the remodeled 343 Artillery Regiment Commanding Officer’s House, the commissioning of a newly installed transformer, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 20 units of two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ quarters at Elele Barracks. The COAS also inspected the newly remodeled and completely renovated Medical Reception Station at Wellington Barracks, Ibagwa Barracks, Akwa Ibom State.
Meanwhile, as part of his strategic leadership engagement drive, the COAS visited the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, at Government House, Uyo. During the visit, the COAS reemphasized that the NA belongs to all Nigerians, adding that he was not surprised by the level of support the state government has been providing to the NA which accounts for the state being one of the most peaceful in the country.
General Oluyede informed the Governor that he was in Akwa Ibom, one of the states under 6 Division AOR, on an operational visit.
Responding, Governor Eno lauded the Nigerian Army for its outstanding contributions to peace, security, and development in the state, especially the sustained collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and the NA through the Commander 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi.
He commended the NA for the robust Civil-Military Relations in the state and reassured continuous support to the NA in achieving its constitutional mandate.
The Army Chief also addressed troops at 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt, as well as 6 Battalion Parade Ground, Ibagwa, Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom.
During both addresses he commended troops for their unwavering dedication and resilience in the ongoing anti-oil theft and pipeline vandalism operations. He reassured the troops that their welfare has been adequately prioritized in line with his soldier first concept.
