Chime Lauds Army On Security

Officers and men of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, have been commended for their immense contributions to the improved security of lives and property in the state.

The state Governor, Barrister Sullivan I. Chime, made the commendation during the 2010 West African Social Activities (WASA), held at the parade ground of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu.

Governor Chime, who was represented on the occasion by his Deputy, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, noted cordial relationship between the army, government and civilian population in the state and expressed the hope that it would continue to grow.

The state Chief Executive noted that officers and men of the 82 Division are part of the residents of the state and, therefore, assured that his administration would continue to identify with their needs and aspirations towards effective discharge of their constitutional responsibilities for national development.

He also acknowledged the contributions and efforts of the Nigerian Army in the areas of environmental sanitation exercise. Medicare, as well as quality education provided by the wives of the officers of the division.

Governor Chime, however, urged the Army Officers to remain focused in their constitutional roles of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation as well as peace and security in the land.

Earlier in an address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Sarinkin Bello, explained that WASA was an annual event that brings officers, soliders and their families together in a free and relaxed atmosphere after the tedious activities of the year.

Major General Bello, who was represented by the Chief Of Staff of the Division, Brigadier General Bolakakak Ibrahim Agbab, noted that the support of the government and the people of Enugu State, had helped in no small way to the successes recorded by the Division in the year 2010, and promised to continue to do their best in maintaining the good relationship between the army and civilian population in the state.

The GOC also recounted the history of WASA and achievements of the Division, especially in tackling the issue of armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal elements in the society and promised to ensure that it sustained.

“I took over the mantle of leadership as the GOC 82 Division at a time Aba had been taken over by the kidnappers and other criminal elements in the society. “Due to the resilience of officers and soldiers of 82 Division, commercial activates have not only resumed in Aba and its environs, people are going about without any fear or molestation”, he said.

Highlights of the occasion included presentation of award and certificate to 17 outstanding soldiers from different units of the division, as well as Tug of War displayed by two teams of Army Officers and cultural performance by different ethnic groups in the division.