Lt.-Gen. Toareed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has inaugurated various completed projects in some communities in Riyom, Bassa and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau.
Inaugurating the projects separately on Wednesday, Lagbaja said that the gesture was part of activities commemorating the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebrations.
He added that the gesture aimed at adressing the infrastructure deficit, particularly in communities recently affected by insecurity and part of its Civil-Military Cooperation.
”The projects we have in Mangun are at the instance of an illustrious son of this community, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, who currently serves as the General Officer Commanding 8 Division.
”The army funds these kinds of projects as a way of giving back to the communities of our senior officers of the rank of major general, who have served meritoriously and distinguished themselves.
”Undoubtedly, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut falls into this category of gallant senior officers who, by virtue of their contributions to the Nigerian army and the country, are suitably qualified to be honoured in this manner.
”The Nigerian army carefully selected these projects in consultation with the people of these community and the primary objective is to give a sense of ownership that ensures security and maintenance.
”I urge the benefiting communities to take full ownership of these facilities and derive maximum benefits from them,”the COAS advised.
Lagbaja, who called on warring communities in Plateau to eschew violence and embrace peace, said that the army would continue to use both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies toward addressing the security challenges in the nation.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment toward dealing with insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.
Earlier, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Mr Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, thanked the army for the gesture.
Mutfwang said that the gesture had complemented government’s efforts at alleviating the sufferings of displaced communities in the state.
He further called for increased support of the army and other security agencies toward tackling the current security challenges confronting some parts of the state.
The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Some of the inaugurated projects include hospitals, schools, boreholes, among others.(NAN).