Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, says the state will strengthen existing partnerships 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.
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 a conducive environment for the state to reach its target of monumental economic expansion, which it is currently driving towards.
According to him. the Nigerian Army remains instrumental in the ban of 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 put 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 ensure will create a peaceful, friendly and secure 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 for all Nigerians and foreigners,” he said.
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In an address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 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 that 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 that WASA also marks the end of the training year and its activities.
“We had lots of successful training programs 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 the 82 Division headquarters building, renovation of some blocks in the cantonment, and 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 appreciate the COAS for approving the event as well as thank Gov. Peter Mbah, our guest of honour and other special guests including our families for gracing this colour occasion,” he said.
The GOC assured the residents of the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) of improved and adequate protection while soliciting their cooperation in 2024.
“We call on residents to assist the Nigerian Army and security agencies with timely security information as well as dial toll-free “193” and press option 2 to get immediate security assistance when needed from troops of the Division,” he said.
The event featured award presentation to outstanding 24 soldiers from the 24 units under the Division.
it also featured various Nigerian traditional and cultural cuisines, attires and dances as well as tug-of-war.
The guest of honour, Gov. Mbah ignited the bonfire, which signalled the end of the colourful event.
