The Nigerian Army, through Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has donated an ultra-modern conference and event centre to the people of Monguno in Borno State as part of ongoing efforts to support reconstruction, development and stabilisation in communities affected by insurgency.
The facility, commissioned on Monday in Monguno town, was unveiled alongside a military cenotaph built to honour fallen military personnel and other security operatives who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism in Northern Borno.
The projects were inaugurated during a colourful ceremony attended by military officers, government officials, traditional leaders and members of the community.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of Sector 3, Major General SS Tilawan, said the projects were executed through donations from well-meaning friends and partners who shared the vision of rebuilding communities devastated by years of insurgency.
According to him, the event centre was conceived to meet the growing social and administrative needs of Monguno, which he described as a rapidly developing town due to the emergence of educational institutions and other public and private establishments.
He noted that the facility would provide a befitting venue for meetings, conferences and social events within the community.
The fully air-conditioned centre, named Lion Pride Cafe, is equipped with a built-in public address system and musical appliances, with the capacity to host about 200 guests for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, meetings and luncheons.
General Tilawan explained that the military cenotaph was established to immortalise members of the Armed Forces, security agencies and civilian defence groups who paid the supreme sacrifice while combating insurgency in the region.
He said the monument would serve as a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice and patriotism for future generations.
In a related development, the Sector Commander also commissioned a community viewing centre in Kekeno village, a newly resettled community in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
General Tilawan said the initiative was part of efforts to promote enlightenment, education and social inclusion in rural communities across the Sector’s area of responsibility.
He stated that sustainable peace could only be achieved through development and access to information, adding that the viewing centre would provide educational and entertainment programmes for residents, especially children.
The facility, powered by solar energy and equipped with satellite television services, is expected to support online learning and community engagement activities.
The commander disclosed that similar viewing centres would be established in other rural communities within the operational area.
Receiving the event centre on behalf of the people of Monguno, the Chairman of Monguno Local Government Area, Hon. Liman Kala, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 leadership for what he described as a landmark intervention.
He said the gesture would significantly contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Monguno and improve communal activities in the town.
Kala also commended the military and the Sector 3 for the recent resettlement of displaced communities including Kekeno, Mairari and Duji, as well as the return of Nigerian refugees from Niger Republic to Mallam Fatori.
According to him, the renewed stability in Northern Borno has restored hope among residents and strengthened public confidence that insurgency in the region is gradually being overcome.
