Gov AbdulRazaq, COAS, top security chiefs celebrate yuletide with troops in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has joined the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shuaib, on a special luncheon with the troops of the Nigerian Army at Dabban Lema in Edu Local Government Area of the State.
In the entourage to dine with troops in the theatre of operation were security commanders in the state; Commissioner for Social Development Dr Mariam NnaFatima Imam; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman Edu local government Alhaji Abdullahi Bello; and a representative of the Emir of Lafiagi.
Speaking at the event, AbdulRazaq said the luncheon underlined the importance that the Nigerian state attaches to the wellbeing of the troops in the frontlines who are engaged in various campaigns to keep the peace and eliminate all threats to national stability.
“Our presence this afternoon shows that the civilian authorities stand in full solidarity with our troops and we do not take lightly the fact that you are here on behalf of everyone of us. We are grateful,” he said.
AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, called on security forces to strengthen interagency collaboration and team spirit, saying success against terrorists, kidnappers, and other bad faith actors lies in unity and effective coordination.
“Keeping our country safer, united, and more prosperous must be seen and treated as a shared responsibility by government and especially the citizens,” he added.
“Offline and online activities or conducts that endanger the lives of the troops or trivialise their sacrifice should stop. This is the irreducible minimum standard that we must hold ourselves to.”
For his part, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General W Shuaib, who was represented by the Commander Signals Corps Major-General MT Abdullah, saluted the troops for their courage, discipline, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated.
“To all personnel serving in various theatres who will not be able to celebrate this yuletide season with their families due to the demands of duty, I salute your courage, discipline and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated,” he said.
“Your absence from home this season is a profound sacrifice for which the Nigerian people remain grateful. Be assured that under my leadership, concerted efforts would be made to foster professionalism and ensure combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.”
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major-General CR Nnebeife, appreciated the COAS for this morale-boosting event which he said is firmly rooted in his command philosophy of advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilience force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“This luncheon therefore is not just a Yuletide celebration, it is a deliberate leadership gesture to recognise gallantry, reinforce cohesion, and consolidate operational gains made by our gallant troops,” he said.
“For troops of 2 Division as a whole, I must say that this honour is well deserved as you have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and resilience across the entire Theatre pof Operations throughout the year.
“You have remained steadfast in dominating the battlespace and confronting banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality with determination and resolve. Your operational successes have significantly degraded criminal elements, reassured the civil populace and strengthened the Division Area of Responsibility.”