The Nigerian Army has Commissioned a 40,000-litre water storage tank, borehole powered by solar energy in Mandarken community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The commissioning ceremony which was performed by chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on Wednesday, as part of Activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 2024 celebration and 162 years of existence.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the Director General Nigerian Army heritage and future center, Major General Obinna Ajunwa explained that the choice of Madakin for this project was informed by the fact that it is one of the areas impacted by the crisis in Plateau.
“This project is a modest effort to help the community return to normalcy, knowing that this is a farming community and water is essential. Water is life…
This project complements the efforts of the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, Local Government, and other well-meaning governmental and non-governmental organizations in rebuilding the North Central region and providing potable water to communities…
“This water facility will provide clean water to this community and ensure a healthy community. The Nigerian Army, as the people’s army, will sustain its kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in addressing the security challenges facing Plateau State and other parts of the country. This means we are not only interested in combat operations but also in providing social amenities so that the peace we seek can settle in properly” Lagbaja streessed.
He Specifically mentioned that the execution of different quick-impact projects and other non-kinetic efforts are aimed at alleviating the challenges of communities in areas where military operations are ongoing.
“This project is executed to a very high quality, consistent with Nigerian Army standards. I urge community leaders to take ownership of this project and put measures in place to maintain it for the benefit of this generation and future generations”
He acknowledged the support of the community to Nigerian Army saying it has contributed tremendously to the success of Operation Safe Haven and their cooperation in bringing peace to the land.
While assuring the community members that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership is ready to reciprocate the gesture of cooperation within the ambit of its constitutional mandate, the Army boss
urged them to continue to support their troops for more successful operations on the Plateau.
” Consider the troops here as your sons, daughters, and relatives to achieve a synergy that will engender enduring peace. This will fast-track the achievement of our desired end state, which is to restore peace and security to the whole country. When one part of Nigeria bleeds, the whole country bleeds”, he further assured.
He appreciated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFI, for providing the Nigerian Army with the necessary resources and strategic guidance to remain operationally viable in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier in his welcome address the committee Chairman and project supervisor, Dauda Magem, said the project aims at fostering mutual relationship between the Nigerian Army and the community and it will benefit the population of eight hundred to one thousand people.
The traditional ruler of Bokkos, Monday Adanchi, represented by the Saf Lazarus Agai, thank the Nigerian Army for their kind gesture and assured of proper maintenance of the borehole.
Transition interim Chairman of Bokkos commended the Nigeria Army for choosing his local Government by providing them with portable drinking water.
Krestnews reports that the activity was part of Nigerian Army Celebrating One hundred and sixty years of existence.
Highlight of the programme was in addition to the commissioning of the borehole featured peace football match by two communities signifying peaceful coexistence and watched by capacity crowd of religious and community leaders and well wishers.