Gov. Otti appreciates COAS special intervention Civil-Military cooperation project in Ekeoba-Oriendu
The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has lauded the Nigerian Army for extending hands of solidarity, understanding and candid support to the socio infrastructural development of the state.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the Chief of Army Staff special intervention Civil-Military cooperation, CIMIC project within Ekeoba-Oriendu Community in Umuahia North L.G.A, of the state, Gov. Otti said that the commissioning of
Community Multi Purpose Hall, Cottage Hospital and Doctors Quarters, 500KVA Transformer and Two 40,000 Liters capacity water projects built in the community by the Army is a product of healthy symbiotic relationship between the civil society and the military.
Gov. Otti who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the project which emanated from the office of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. citizen centered, which the State Governor deeply appreciate.
“The birth of Operation Crush , a joint security taskforce established by Dr. Alex Otti in Abia State evidently fostered steady security surveillance across the State. We commend the impact of the military and other sister agencies in the state in their gallant fight against violent crimes. Life and property have remained relatively secure and we are beneficiaries of their impact. The direct benefit of intensified security surveillance in the state has increased commercial activities and attraction of investors”, Gov. Otti disclosed.
Commissioning the Cottage Hospital, one of the projects which was built by Major Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, as part of Nigeria Army special civil military cooperation project, the Chief of Army Staff. Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja, described the project as one of the best things that will happen to Community, and observed that it actually met the need of the community.
He appreciated Ajunwa for not letting the Nigerian Army down .
“We are proud to associate with the Ekeoba-Oriendu community to commission this project today. We also want to pledge that we would continue to partner with you and also partner Ajunwa foundation to continue to provide essential welfare services to the inhabitants of this community”.
In their respective speeches, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District Sen. Austin Akobundu and member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, appreciated the feat recorded by the Nigerian Army under the watch of Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, pointing out that what is being witnessed is typical and part of some of his achievements aims at bringing people closer in term of friendship and relationship to the military.
In his address also the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. M.C. Ugbo said that the execution of the project was designed to cement the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and law abiding citizens of Ekeoba-Oriendu Community.
According to him, it is expected that the project would address some critical needs of the people.
Earlier in his address, MAJ GEN OBINNA AJUNWA, DIRECTOR GENERAL NIGERIAN ARMY HERITAGE AND FUTURE CENTRE, explained that the COAS in a bid to promote CIMIC and further enhance the image of the Nigerian Army among the civil populace instituted a programme where very senior officers of the Service were encouraged to come up with Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to be sited within their communities.
” Consequently, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and my community, the following QIPs were identified and executed within the Community: Construction of 2 x 40,000l water works, each powered with a 10 kVA inverter; Completion and equipping of a community cottage hospital as well as construction of doctors/nurses quarters – 3 bedroom flat; Construction of Community Hall; and the installation of 500 kVA transformer”.
According to him, these QIPs are envisaged to greatly improve the standard of living, increase security awareness and boost economic activities of our community and neighbouring villages.
“In addition, the Community Hall would be utilized as a suitable meeting place for robust progressive deliberations.
“It must be stated that this intervention is complementary to the developmental strides of the Government in providing amenities and infrastructure to the Community and State at large”, Ajunwa stated further.
