The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, inaugurated a Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State on Tuesday.
The project, executed by Maj.-Gen. Collins Adetoba, was designed to enhance children’s learning capacity in the area.
Representing Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja at the event, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Usman, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, highlighted the significance of the project. The renovated and remodeled facilities include two-story blocks of classrooms, toilet facilities, and a newly constructed borehole with water reticulation at the Local Authority Nursery and Primary School.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja noted that the project reflects a significant achievement in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to improve the security and well-being of the populace. “I am pleased that the work was completed in good time, and I have no doubt that the work is of high quality,” he said. He emphasized that the improved facilities would provide a conducive environment for children to acquire knowledge, skills, and values essential for their future success.
Maj.-Gen. Adetoba and his wife also presented gifts to some of the pupils, further highlighting the Army’s commitment to community engagement and support.
The COAS expressed gratitude to the people of Lagos State for their continuous support of the Nigerian Army and urged them to remain law-abiding citizens. He encouraged the community to provide useful information to the Army and other security agencies to help maintain a safe environment for socio-economic activities.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja emphasized the importance of non-kinetic operations in garnering public support to combat insecurity. “The Nigerian Army recognizes that our nation’s security and progress depend on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders toward nation-building,” he said. The COAS outlined that the Army’s projects are designed to elicit substantial community interest and ownership for their management, complementing existing services and infrastructure.
The Nigerian Army has been involved in constructing and rehabilitating hospitals, schools, libraries, community town halls, roads, and boreholes across various communities, positively impacting the lives of residents and contributing to non-kinetic security efforts.
The Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project is executed by senior Army officers who have attained the rank of major general through hard work and dedication. Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja reaffirmed his commitment to sound administration and prioritizing the welfare of troops and their families, extending this commitment to community projects to foster support and trust in the Nigerian Army.
The COAS thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous strategic guidance, invaluable support, and the confidence he has placed in the Nigerian Army.