Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated a remodeled health centre in Enugwu Okabia community, Orsu Council Area of Imo, to strengthen civil – military cooperation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS performed the inauguration in the community on Wednesday.
The project was attracted by Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Ukandu, a Deputy Commandant at the National Defence College, Abuja, who also hails from the area.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Army Chief, represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, said that the remodeling of the health facility was part of efforts to consolidate peace and strengthen community resilience.
Shaibu commended the sacrifices and dedication of the project initiator, noting that his service to the nation spanned over three decades.
He described the project as well conceived and impactful, adding that the facility would significantly improve healthcare delivery in the area.
”This health centre will benefit the good people of Enugwu Okabia and further strengthen civil – military cooperation,” he said.
The COAS also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s broader commitment to community development, noting that over 250 intervention projects have been executed across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, and also commended the government and people of Imo as well as residents of the benefiting community for their cooperation and support.
He urged them to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that such collaboration was essential for sustaining peace and enabling socio-economic development.
Speaking during the event, Ukandu expressed his deep personal commitment to the recovery and development of his community.
He said that this was considering the devastating impact of over four years of insecurity, during which critical infrastructure, including the health centre, was destroyed by criminal elements.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained efforts in restoring peace and enabling displaced residents to return home.
He also acknowledged the vital contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
He stressed the need for continued rehabilitation of other damaged structures within the community and encouraged collaboration between the people and local authorities to sustain development efforts.
Similarly, the traditional ruler the community, Eze Oliver Ochonma, thanked the Army for the ”beautiful gesture” and promised that the community would do its best to protect the facility.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenirs to the military officers by the traditional ruler.(NAN)
