Army Assures Of Kinetic, Non-Kinetic Operations, Collaborations To Achieve Peace In Nigeria
…Commissions Devt Projects In Nko
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Nigerian Army has promised to remain committed to pursuing both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations as well as collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies and communities to ensure a secure and enabling environment for socio economic development to thrive in Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, made the promise during the commissioning of Nko Unity Square, comprising three development projects, in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Areas, Cross River State.
He also reiterated the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its resolve to collaborate with communities and stakeholders in building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzan, lauded the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Nigerian Army’s efforts to give back to communities associated with officers who have served with distinction.
He emphasised that such civil-military cooperation projects have been successfully implemented across the six geopolitical zones, including hospitals, schools, roads, boreholes, and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities.
“This project is a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national unity and development,” Gen. Oluyede stated.
“We honour Maj. Gen. Etim, who has represented Nko and the Nigerian Army with pride, rising through the ranks to the prestigious status of Major General. Indeed, we are here to honour Nko community for the service of your son by commissioning the newly constructed pavilion and two mini halls in the Nko Unity Square.
“These projects will promote the social and cultural well-being of the people by providing suitable space for boosting functions and strengthening common coexistence among the community and their neighbours.
Gen. Oluyede urged the community to take ownership and ensure the longevity of the facilities, while appreciating the support from the people of Yakurr and Cross River State.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to ensure peace and security.
Maj. Gen. Chibuisi lauded the people of Cross River State for their support in the fight against criminal activities in the South-South region.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, highlighted the commendable service of Maj. Gen. Etim, describing him as a distinguished infantry officer and current Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), represented by Rear Admiral Obono Ekwe (rtd), commended the Army and Maj. Gen. Etim, describing the projects as well-conceived and beneficial to fostering civil-military harmony.
Ibas urged the Nko Development Union to maintain the facilities to fulfill their intended purpose.
The project initiator and commander, Nigeria Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Major General Frank Etim, said the project is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibility within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“Nko qualifies as one of those multi-dimensional environment where the Nigerian army operates,” Maj. Gen. Etim stated, stressing that, “the idea to construct the pavilion in this unity square was borne in 2023 during the annual Nko new yam festival where my consciousness was reawakened to the necessity for a more benefiting seating arena and signifying the might and valour of Nk Nko nde Lopon.”
In their remarks, the House of Representatives member for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona, and State House of Assembly member representing Yakurr II, Rev. Mercy Akpama, lauded the army’s initiative and pledged legislative support for community development.
Speaking, the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Efifiom Ayomobi, expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army and Maj. Gen. Etim for the honour and investment in the community.
The ceremony was attended by top military officers, political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures across the country and the State
The commissioning of the Nko Unity Town Square, featured the unveiling of the Master Warrant Officer Sunday Etim Pavilion, the Nko-Nko Ndelopon and Ibolokom Mini Open Halls, and the Unity Statue with Lock-Up Shops, was marked by cultural displays and heartfelt celebrations.
The event marked another milestone in the Army’s civil-military cooperation initiative.
