Governor Peter Mbah says Enugu State will strengthen existing partnership and ties with the Nigerian Army to consolidate on the current peace and conducive business environment in the state.
Mbah said this at the 2023 West African Social Activities (WASA) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army held at Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu, yesterday.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, noted that the state needed the help of the Nigerian Army to create conducive environment for the state to grow it target of monumental economic expansion, which it is currently driving towards.
According to him. the Nigerian Army remains instrumental to the ban on the illegitimate sit-at-home and checkmating activities of criminals and violent groups in the state.
“The state government is appreciative of the Nigerian Army on a fruitful partnership, which is yielding visible and practical results.
“We want to thank the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unrelentless support as well as the GOC and Garrison Commander for all the efforts they have made in making Enugu State one of the safest in the country.
“To build the modern Enugu State of our dream and its needed economic
expansion, we need the partnership with the Nigerian Army to create a peaceful, friendly and secured environment for economic and human activities to continue to strive.
“As a state, we will continue to nurture this partnership and ensure more positive outcomes as we join hands to make Enugu State the safest destination of all Nigerians and foreigners,” he said.
In an address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, said that WASA was an annual event in furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s rich customs and traditions.
Dada said the event was important, because it brings officers, soldiers as well as their families and friends together for close social interaction at the end of each year.
According to him, it is equally an avenue for cordial Inter-agency cooperation, synergy and civil-military relations with the civil populace in Enugu metropolis and its environs.
The GOC said WASA also marks the end of training year and its activities.
“We had lots of successful training programmes in 2023 both for troops and officers as well as for various cadres and ranks within the Division.
“We also undertook and inaugurated lots of projects, which included the renovation and remodelling of 82 Division headquarters building, renovation of some blocks in the cantonment, new 82 Officers’ Mass and water reticulation projects among others.
“All these training programmes and projects are made possible by the fatherly support and direction of our amiable Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
“The Division also appreciated the COAS for approving the event and thanked Gov. Peter Mbah, and other special guests including our families, for gracing this colourful occasion,” he said.
The GOC assured the residents of Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) of improved and adequate protection, while soliciting their cooperation in 2024.
The event featured awards presented to outstanding 24 soldiers from the 24 units under the Division.
(NAN)
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