By Stephen Overcomer
The Nigerian Army (NA) has donated a newly built and well equipped model Primary Health Care (PHC) facility to Oziokutu-Ogaminana community, in Adavi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
The NA also renovated the existing facility buildings in the community with perimeter fence, and also provided convenience, a borehole to improve sanitary conditions, and solar powered lights for security of the centre.
The project was carried out under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects executed by one of the community’s illustrious sons, Maj. -Gen. Usman Tahiru Otaru.
Speaking at the project commissioning in Adavi, the COAS, Lt. -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the special intervention CIMIC projects served as medium for the NA to interact with the civil populace and elicit their support and cooperation as they carried out their constitutional responsibilities.
Gen. Lagbaja, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, commended the people for their cooperation and support for the NA as well as their large turn-out for the occasion.
“It is gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army has undertaken numerous quick impact projects focused on improving the well-being of communities across the six geopolitical zones of this country.
“One component of the quick impact projects is the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme designed to provide support to communities of NA senior officers who through dedication and selfless service to the nation, have risen to the rank of Major General.
“The execution of these projects is a testament to the NA’s resolve to, contribute to the growth and development of the country alongside our constitutional responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“In line with this, the NA has so far embarked on meaningful socio-economic projects such as the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals and schools, provision of computers and other information and communications technology as well as library facilities.
“Other projects carried out include the construction of town halls, roads and installation of water projects, among several others.
“It is worth noting that these projects are meant to complement the facilities and amenities provided by the government and other well-meaning individuals and organisations in these communities,” he said.
The Army boss commended the Project Executor Maj. -Gen. Otaru for a job well done, stressing that the project would serve the desired purpose.
He, therefore urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the project and maintain it so as to derive maximum benefits from it.
The COAS expressed his gratitude to Governor Ahmed Ododo for his commitment and support for the Army and other security agencies in the state.
Gen. Lagbaja also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,, GCFR for his continuous strategic guidance and invaluable support to the NA.
“I thank you, Sir, for the confidence you have always reposed in the Nigerian Army.
“I again reassure the nation of the unwavering loyalty of the officers and men of the NA to the President, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I want to also reaffirm that under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will remain committed to pursuing both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations in collaboration with other security agencies,” Lagbaja said.
He, therefore urged Nigerians to keep faith with the Nigerian Army and continue to support all its activities so as to jointly defeat the common enemies and overcome all security challenges.
In his remarks, the state’s Governor, Alh. Ahmed Ododo, appreciated the COAS and Gen. Otaru for adding value to the health and well-being of the people of the state.
Ododo, who was represented by the State’s Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara rtd, disclosed that the state had recently renovated and equipped 70 PHCs to boost healthcare delivery for the people of the state.
The governor added that additional 100 PHCs would be upgraded by year 2025 across the state.
Ododo further commended the COAS for the ongoing clearance operations, which he said had help to neutralize many bandits as well as arrest of many criminal elements in the state especially in Kogi west senatorial district.
The governor, therefore commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mal. Nuhu Ribado; the GOC 2 Division and the Commander 12 Brigade, Brig. -Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, for giving all the capital and technical supports to aid the success of the clearance operations.
The governor, however urged the people to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by providing credible information to enhance security across the state.
The governor assured his commitment o to continue to support security agencies in the state towards ensuring adequate security for lives and property of the people.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Army HQ, Maj. -Gen. NC Ugbo, said the project underscores the COAS commitment to “transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army understands the critical importance of fostering strong relations with the civil populace.
This, he said had reflected in its activities which are people-centric.
Earlier, the Project Executor Maj. -Gen. Usman Otaru, expressed his gratitude to the COAS for his magnanimity in approving and giving his total support for the project.
Maj. -Gen. Otaru, who is the Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans (SD)-AHQ, said that the Oziokutu PHC had been modernised and furnished to meet the needs of the people.
According to him, the PHC now has three wards, a nurse’s station, consulting rooms with ultrasound scan and a laboratory.
“The facility is also provided with convenience and a borehole to improve sanitary conditions, as well as a perimeter fence and solar powered lights for security of the centre,” he said.
Otaru stressed that the facility would improve access to healthcare and enhance management of the health conditions of the people of Ogaminana and environs.
Other dignitaries at the event include: the Commander, 12 Brigade NA, Brig. -Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, and many other traditional rulers in the area.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of gifts and souvenir to the Governor, the COAS, the GOC, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, among others.
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