The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja has called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Nigerian Army in order to achieve its constitutional duties.

Speaking at the Baptist Grammar School Idi-Ishin Ibadan, during the official commissioning of the renovated and well equipped block of classrooms and the newly constructed cafeteria constructed by the Army Headquarters department of Civil -Military Affairs, The Chief of Army Staff noted that the Nigerian Army’s constitutional roles require collective responsibilities of all and sundry.

Lagbaja who was ably represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Barack, Oojo Cantonment, Ibadan, Major General Obinna Onubogu noted that the project is one of the chief of army staff special intervention projects, stressing that the project is a civil military corporation project that was executed by Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele.

Lagbaja in his words said, “The commissioning of these special projects afford me the opportunity to reiterate Nigeria Army’s resolve towards addressing the security challenges facing our dear country. Through non -kinetic lines of operation, Nigerian Army under my leadership has enjoyed high level of cooperation and goodwill from the civil populace across our great nation and indeed, from the peace loving people of Ibadan.”

“I also want to state that the people of Oyo State have always partnered with Nigeria army towards achieving a secured and peaceful nation.The projects executed by the Nigerian Army are geared towards complimenting the already existing basic service amenities and infrastructure provided by the government and other responsible non governmental organizations and individuals in this communities.”

“Some of the projects executed by the Nigerian Army across the country so far includes construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, armed schools, construction of roads and community townhalls, sinking of boreholes as well as provision of computers and other ICT facilities among money others.”

“The execution of this special project is a deliberate act towards ensuring that Nigerian Army gives back to the society as well as improve the well-being of communities across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.The projects are also in line with my command philosophy to transform Nigeria army into a well trained equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

“It is pertinent to state that achieving the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities requires our collective commitment and cooperation, particularly from the people of Oyo State.Therefore the execution of these projects is designed to further sustain the jointness, cooperation and collaboration Nigerian Army requires from the civil populace as we discharge our duties.”

“I am delighted to have commissioned the project executed in Baptist Grammar School, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan today, which includes renovation and furnishing of a block of six classrooms and a construction of a cafeteria for the school. It is gratifying to note that this projects will improve and provide a conducive environment to train the youths in Ibadan and it’s environs as well as provide them the opportunity for a better future.”

“I want to express my appreciation to Major Gen. Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele and the management of Baptist Grammar school for identifying and executing this laudable project. I want to urge you all to take ownership of the project and maintain it so as to derive maximum benefits from it. Members of the association who wants to contribute to the school are also free to do so.”

“I want to urge you all to always remain law abiding and provide useful information to Nigerian Army and other security agencies to enable us provide a required safe and secured environment for socio economic activities to thrive. Thanks to the Oyo State commissioner for education, His Royal Majesty, the president, commander in chief of all the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his untiring encouragement and support for all activities and operations of the Nigerian Army including the welfare of personnels and their families.”

“I want to also affirm the unwavering loyalty of Officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army to the President and commander in chief and to the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria. It is note worthy to state that the continuous collaboration and support of all well meaning Nigerians have contributed tremendously to the operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct both kinetic and non kinetic operation to ensure the total defeat of the enemies of our beloved country.” Lagbaja said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs who was ably represented by Major General Mathias Erebulu said, “Major General Soyele who is currently the Chief of Defense standard and evaluation has served in the Nigerian Army in various capacity receiving accolades and commendation for his outstanding service.”

“He has contributed immensely to the successes recorded by Nigerian Army in operations both within and outside the shore of the country.”

“He has led men to accomplish remarkable victories in various battles and the Nigerian Army is proud of him as a worthy ambassador.” He said.

The state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde who was ably represented by the state commissioner for education, Prof Salihu Adelabu commended the Nigerian Army for the donor. He noted that the Nigerian Army has been a major stakeholders supporting educational sector in the state.

Stressing that Nigerian Army has been complimenting the state’s government efforts in creating a conducive learning environment for students in the state, noting that well meaning Nigerians must start emulating the kind gesture of Nigerian Army by supporting the government in creating a conducive learning environment for our students, government alone cannot do it, it is a collective responsibilities of all.

Highlights of the event include cultural displays by the students of the school, presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries at the event, among others.

Dignitaries at the event include, the Chief of Defence Staff who was ably represented by Major General Gabriel Ochigbano, Professor Isaac Albert of History/Peace and Conflict Studies University of Ibadan, traditional rulers, religion leaders, security operatives from other sister agencies, old students associations of Baptist Grammar School, teachers among others.