By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Army (NA) has taken a step toward enhancing education and water access in Argungu community in Kebbi State through the renovation of a state of the art block of three classrooms at Dankoji Nizamiyya Primary School along Kanta Road Yardole Area and the donation of four boreholes to the community.
The initiative was part of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special intervention project committed to fostering community development beyond NA’s traditional security role.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony the Special Guest of Honour, the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera reiterated on the transformative power of education. He noted that security is not confined to the battlefield.
“It rather encompasses the education, welfare and overall progress of communities we serve” he stated. He commended the NA for its unwavering commitment to building a safer, more prosperous society.
The project facilitator, Major General Ismaila Babangida Abubakar who is an eminent indigene of Argungu, expressed his personal connection to the initiative.
According to him, the project is driven by a deep desire to contribute to the growth of his community. He therefore entrusted the renovated block of classrooms and boreholes to the care of the community leaders, Headmaster, teachers and residents as the maintenance of the facilities was the collective responsibility of all stakeholder.
Major General Abubakar reiterated that the project aligns with the COAS’s Command Philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties. In his words by investing in community well-being, the NA is actively contributing to a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Earlier the project supervisor, Mr Magaji Lawal highlighted the dilapidated state of the block of classroom before the intervention. He mentioned that the renovated block was abandoned and indisrepair, recognising the urgent need of the facility, the COAS approved funding for the complete renovation demonstrating his commitment to improving the lives of Argungu residents.
The renovation include complete remodeling and renovation of the three-classroom building, repair of 46 classroom chairs and tables as well as the purchase of four pairs of tables and chairs for the teachers.
Others include construction and installation of a solar powered bolehole at Gwazange community, construction of one hand pump at Yar’ Aduwa community, construction of a motorised bolehole and provision of a power generator at Yar’ Aduwa community and resustation of the borehole and construction of generator house at Dankoji Ninzammiya Primary School.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including the Emir of Argungu,the Mai Biu, Shehu of Bama, Major General MD Danja, Brigadier General Moses Ikobah, Colonel Toro, leaders from the beneficiary communities, teachers and pupils of Dankoji Nizammiya primary school.
