On Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, along with the Infantry Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, inaugurated a large water project in Hayin Banki community, Kaduna State.
This project, providing 60,000 liters of water, is part of a special effort by the COAS to support communities where senior army officers live.
It’s aimed at improving the relationship between the military and civilians, as well as enhancing the welfare of troops.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja emphasized that these projects, carefully chosen and carried out by army generals, aim to uplift the living standards in areas where soldiers are stationed.
They are meant to complement the government’s efforts in providing essential facilities. This water project, in particular, addresses the ongoing water scarcity in the community.
The COAS highlighted other projects undertaken nationwide by the Nigerian Army, including building or renovating hospitals and schools, constructing town halls, installing solar lighting, digging boreholes, setting up laboratories, providing ICT facilities, and constructing roads.
He encouraged the community to take ownership of the project and ensure its maintenance for long-term benefits.
The COAS reiterated the army’s commitment to both military and non-military approaches to enhance security across Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. NC Ugbo, the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasized the army’s dedication to positively impacting the lives of troops and communities.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the army and all peace-loving Nigerians, organizations, and agencies.
Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, a native of Hayin Banki and Deputy National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, expressed gratitude for the project.
He emphasized the strong bond between the community and the military, highlighting the community’s significant contributions to the armed forces.
“It is a community that I hold and cherish so dearly. Our proximity to the military barracks had over the years, made us more than just neighbours; we consider ourselves an annex of the barracks and have over the years enjoyed a robust relationship with the military.”
He stressed the importance of clean water as a basic human right and urged the community to take responsibility for the project’s upkeep and sustainability.
In response, Mahmood Galadima, the Ward Head of Hayin Banki, thanked the Nigerian Army for the water project, acknowledging its significant impact on the community’s water accessibility and overall well-being
