Niger State Community Receives Educational Boost from Nigerian Army

Niger State Community Receives Educational Boost from Nigerian Army

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on the people of Angbasa, a community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to foster a safe environment conducive to socio-economic development. This appeal was made during the commissioning of various civil-military cooperation projects in the area on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Represented by Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Lt Gen Lagbaja highlighted the importance of community support in combating insecurity. The COAS’s visit marked the completion of essential projects, including the renovation of a five-classroom block, the construction of a new three-classroom block, and the installation of a borehole at the Angbasa Nursery and Primary School.

Lt Gen Lagbaja emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing security challenges through non-kinetic strategies while also contributing to local community welfare. He noted that the Special Intervention Projects were designed to uplift communities linked to senior Army officers who have reached the Major General rank through dedicated service.

“The provision of basic education is fundamental for security and national development,” he stated, underscoring that these initiatives aim not only to improve educational infrastructure but also to help children develop essential life skills and civic responsibilities.

He encouraged the Angbasa community to take ownership of the new facilities to maximize their benefits, expressing gratitude to Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi for facilitating the projects in his hometown. The COAS also acknowledged ongoing support from Lavun Local Government and the state of Niger in the Army’s operations, urging continued cooperation in the fight against crime.

In his address, Major General Etsu-Ndagi expressed his gratitude to the COAS for approving funds for the projects, highlighting education as a vital path for the community’s future and combatting issues that led to declining school enrollments, such as dilapidated structures.

The event also featured remarks from Major General Nosa Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, who thanked the residents for their support, which has been pivotal to the Army’s operational success in the Niger State and North Central Region.

A representative from the Lavun Local Government, Education Secretary Alhaji Jibrin Alhassan, thanked the COAS for providing educational support and assured continued maintenance of the new facilities, reinforcing their value for the community’s future generations.

The commissioning event drew participation from various dignitaries, including Maj Gen Peter Okoye, top military officers, and community leaders, highlighting a unified commitment to enhancing education and security in the region.

The initiatives reflect the Nigerian Army’s broader strategy to engage with local communities and address pressing challenges through collaborative efforts.

By PRNigeria