By Olukayode Idowu
SUNRISE NEWS, Jos, July 30, 2020 The Executive Governor of Plateau State His Excellency Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has applauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel. He made this known during the commissioning ceremony of newly completed projects in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment (MKC) Rukuba Jos.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to Government of Plateau State Prof Danladi Atuh stated that with the support of 3 Division, Plateau State has experienced relative peace from myriad of security challenges that hitherto engulfed the state. He promised that his administration will provide every necessary support to the Division, this includes the donation of life Rhino, the Division’s Mascot (symbol of strength) to Division.
He said the MKC Dam with it’s water capacity of 540 cubic litres of water and the Water Treatment Plant will solve the problem of perennial water shortage faced by Barracks Residents and the adjoining settlements, who he said before now have resorted to the use of well water and buying from water vendors. He thanked the Chief of Army State for funding such magnificent projects which will not only provide portable water for Barracks Residents but as well enhance their economic viability through irrigation farming, and aquatic business ventures and for amphibious training of army personnel.
In his speech, the COAS thanked the Governor of Plateau State for his relentless supports to 3 Division Nigerian Army. He said that the resolve to construct the Dam and establish the treatment plan was necessitated by his desire to bring succor to troops’ families and end the perennial water problems confronting the cantonment and the neighbouring communities.
The COAS who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army) Maj Gen Enobong Okon Udoh maintained that he will continue to do his best to enhance troops’ welfare and improve on their living conditions. He therefore, applauded the GOC and Nigerian Army Engineers, including technical partners whom he said impressed him with the skills and craftsmanship exhibited at ensuring speedy completion of the projects.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Maj Gen Nuhu Angbazo stated that he was deeply concerned when he noticed the sufferings of troops and their families due to scarcity of portable drinking water. He said the completed Dam and Treatment Plant will service the barracks’ residents and host communities of Jebbu Bassa and Dutsen Kura as it will serve as one of the numerous Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR) of the Nigerian Army. He said he remains grateful to the COAS for his immense support to the Division in actualizing the projects, especially the Dam which he said is suitable for Watermanship training for Nigerian Army personnel.
The ceremony was attended by top Plateau State functionaries, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Senior Officers both serving and retired including past GOC’s of the Division, representatives from UNICEF and Civil Society organisations.
