Nigerian Army commissions project in Ogbomoso, Soun, Aale present (PHOTOS)
Femi OGUNLANA & Jeremiah OYELEKE
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi OluyedeThursday commissioned and handed over a block of classrooms at Okelerin Baptist Basic School in Ogbomoso North local government area of Oyo state. The block of classrooms consists of three classrooms, two staff rooms, teachers and pupils’ furniture, perimeter fence and drilling of borehole.
The project is executed by Major General Akinniyi Oladapo Oyelade, Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, in commemoration of his attaining the enviable rank of Major General.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Mechanized Division, Ibadan, Major General Obinna G. Onubogu, said the exercise was conducted under the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects.
He disclosed such projects spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria are aimed at providing succour to the communities of the Nigerian Army officers, who, through their dedicated service to the nation, have risen to the prestigious rank of Major General.
Oluyede described Ogbomoso as a city of warriors while noting Maj. Gen Oyelade had distinguished himself in the army just as he emphasized that the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects are designed to foster partnership with communities and enhance collaborative efforts towards greater security of the nation.
“I’m delighted to be in Ogbomoso today, an ancient city known for its military prowess that had produced warriors in defence of Yoruba cultural land. We are here in respect of one of many Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects. It is in honour of one of your sons, Major General Dapo Akinniyi Oyelade, a worthy ambassador of Ogbomoso.
“This ceremony also provides the Nigerian Army an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and advance community development for the good people of Apake (Ogbomoso) through the provision of impactful projects designed for the collective good of the community.”
He emphasized the crucial role of the civil society in tackling security menace and securing the society maintaining this is the basis of the collaborative efforts the army constantly seeks.
“As an army we recognize the critical role of the people as indispensable partners in progress particularly in a complex operating environment and the requirement for a whole of society approach to tackling security concerns, This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations as it focuses on fostering genuine partnership and collaboration with the public.
“Accordingly, the project remains a cornerstone of our efforts to foster public support, enhance cooperation and sustain harmony between the Nigerian Army and the civil public. It is worth emphasizing that the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects have contributed significantly to the development of communities identified to senior officers of the Nigerian Army who through their exemplary selfless service have risen to the prestigious rank of Major General.”
He mentioned some of the projects that had been executed through the scheme to include rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories and roads, as well as provision of power through solar lighting systems, boreholes and other ICT facilities.
He charged the management of the benefiting school and the people of the community to take full ownership of the project and see to its maintenance to ensure long term use while assuring the army is committed to securing the nation and charging the public to continue to support the army.
The Chief of Military-Civil Affairs, Maj. Gen. G.U. Chibuisi represented by Brigadier General B.S. Keji also speaking, reiterated the project was one of the numerous special initiatives towards the fulfilment of the Nigerian Army’s drive for community engagement in line with its non-kinetic efforts.
He added that projects that provide lasting benefits are designed for communities especially where troops are deployed to generate interests and ownership.
“These projects are part of the numerous Civil-Military Cooperative Initiative implemented across the nation in alignment with the Army’s non-kinetic line of operation,” Maj. Gen. Chibuisi re-stated.
“They represent our collective effort to address the multi-faceted security challenge confronting our dear country. Over the years the Nigerian Army has deliberately cultivated relationships with the communities our troops are deployed, to execute projects that provide lasting benefits to the people. These projects are meticulously designed to generate substantial interest and ownership from the community.”
Chibuisi recalling his time as GOC of 2 Mechanized Division, Ibadan, commended the people of Oyo state for the assistance always given to the Nigeria Army. “I must highlight the remarkable assistance the Nigerian Army have consistently received from the good people of Oyo state and most especially Ogbomoso,” adding, “Your unwavering support has been pivotal to our kinetic operation and in neutralizing criminal elements within the state and the entire southwest region.”
Saying securing the environment requires active collaboration of all well-meaning individuals, organizations and agencies devoted to defeating the nation’s common adversaries, he urged “everyone to remain steadfast in working together to enhance peace and security and socio-economic activities to flourish.”
Chibuisi lauded Maj. Gen. Oyelade “for his exemplary execution of this project on behalf of the Nigerian Army,” submitting, “Major General Oyelade is a distinguished infantry general with an outstanding career in the Nigerian Army. He has held various key appointments spanning commands, staff and instructional roles.”
He added, “His efforts have been exemplary and the Nigerian Army takes immense pride in him as a worthy ambassador of our institution and a worthy ambassador of Ogbomoso.”
He recalled Oyelade’s close shave with death years ago while commanding troops in Katsina state during which he was shot by Boko Haram insurgents and had to be operated upon, stressing, “That is to tell you the sacrifice your son has made for this nation of ours.”
On his part, the Chief Executor of the project, Maj-Gen. Oyelade, said the project is a reflection of the “shared commitment” of the Nigerian Army to enhancing quality education and laying a solid foundation for the future of the pupils of the school.
He stated before the army’s intervention the building was in a serious state of disrepair, noting, “A thorough evaluation reveals significant deficiencies including dilapidated classrooms and staff room areas, lack of appropriate desks and chairs, absence of a clean water source and a dilapidated perimeter fence exposing these children to possible security challenges. Those findings highlighted, urgently needed an intervention to improve the learning environment and ensure the safety of all students. The renovation efforts thus reflect the dedication of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen, O.O. Oluyede, who has empowered me to undertake this lofty project, thereby forcing an environment whereby every child has the opportunity to learn and excel.”
Informing the project started in September 2024 and got completed in December, he enthused, “It is with pride and happiness that I present this remodelled and renovated project which comprises a block of three classrooms including 2 staff rooms, a completed dilapidated perimeter fence, a borehole and donated desks and chairs for staff and students of the school.”
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He also said, “I’m indeed most humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve my immediate community and it gladdens my heart today, that it makes me stand tall to be recognized as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian Army in my community. I am indeed grateful to the Chief of Army Staff for this unique opportunity to make my dream come true.”
Aale of Okelerin Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao II, said the project gave him immense joy being a school located in his community. “This is my school. I am the happiest. Though I didn’t attend the school, it is an opportunity” while charging other alumni to contribute to revamping the school,” he told ogbomosoinsightonline.com in a chat after the event.
Oyelade also in an interview informing he attended the school, assured “We will continue to do whatever we can to add value to our society.
The Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye was represented at the event by the Ikolaba and Abese, High Chiefs David Ojo and Yusuf Kasali Oladipupo.
Some other dignitaries are Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo state Commissioner for Information and Public Orientation; Hon Segun Odebunmi, immediate past lawmaker, who represented Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa federal constituency; the Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu represented by Rev’d Dr. Paul Oyedele Oyedokun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ogbomoso zone 1; Rev’d Dr. Segun Oyelowo, pastor of First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, who said the opening prayer; and the parents of Maj. Gen. Oyelade, Prince and Mrs. Oyelade, parents among others.
