The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has stated that through working together by all that society can be strengthened and fortified against all forms of insecurity and criminality.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja made this statement during the commissioning ceremony of COAS Special Intervention CIMIC Project (CSICP) at Mafarar Assada community Sokoto today 15 August 2024.
The COAS who was ably represented by the Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, said the CSICP is a proactive approach adopted by the Nigerian Army (NA) towards addressing the security challenges in the country through the non-kinetic line of operations, while simultaneously supporting development initiatives.
He noted that it is geared towards fostering unity and collaboration between the NA and the civil populace in communities where operations are carried out.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja stressed that execution of these projects further underscores the NA's stance in bridging the gap with the civil populace, endearing mutual trust and cooperation as well as deliberate step towards ensuring that NA contributes to infrastructural development in order to improve well-being of citizens in communities where troops are deployed across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
"I am delighted to commission the projects executed in Mafarar community which include the construction as well as remodeling of classrooms and drilling of a borehole for Mafarar Assada community. It is worth noting that the project will serve as an avenue to provide quality education for the youths in a conducive learning environment", he said.
"This project will no doubt ensure a better life and security for the future of the youths of this community and environs. Let me also state that true security begins with the opportunity for our children and youths to access quality education in a serene and conducive environment, as clearly demonstrated by the project executor", COAS stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Project Executor and Corps Commander Education, Major General Bello Tsoho emphasized the significance of the project in bridging the gap between the NA and civilians, highlighting the COAS' vision to foster mutual understanding and cooperation through execution of CSICP to contribute positively to societal development and strengthening the bond between the NA and civilian.
He extended his gratitude to the COAS for his unwavering support and approval of the project, assuring him of its judicious utilization and monitoring through already set up committee.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs represented by Director Civil-Military Affairs, Brigadier General Paul Koughna appreciated tremendous support of good people of Sokoto to NA as evident in relative peace and security enjoyed in Sokoto State and environs which has enhanced operational successes within the Northwest Region of the country.
He therefore urged them to continue to cooperate with the NA and other security agencies in discharging the constitutional mandates towards a peaceful and secured nation where socio-economic activities will thrive.
The event witnessed which had in attendance the Chairman of the Governing Council Federal Polytechnic Daura Katsina State, Alh Bello Nagwari, former Director General Sokoto State Government, Habibu Alh Tsoho, Community Representative and Mafarar Assada people among others witnessed the goodwill message, synopsis of the project, commissioning, donation of books and presentation of souvenirs.
