Nigerian Army Completes Over 200 Development Projects Nationwide – COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, announced that the Nigerian Army has successfully executed over 200 special intervention projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country. These projects are part of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Initiative.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja made the statement on Friday during the unveiling of several completed projects in Ekeoba-Oriendu Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. The projects, undertaken by Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center, include a cottage hospital, a 500kva transformer, two 40,000-litre waterworks, and a multi-purpose hall.
According to Lagbaja, these intervention efforts have significantly aided the Army’s mission of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges by providing vital infrastructure to local communities. He emphasized that the initiative targets communities of senior Army officers, aiming to give back to the nation and support public welfare.
He further noted that the projects are carefully designed in consultation with the benefiting communities and are intended to complement state-level efforts in providing essential services and infrastructure.
“Our objective is not to compete with government entities but to support and enhance the quality of life for the people through these well-conceived projects,” said Lagbaja. He praised Maj.-Gen. Ajunwa for his distinguished service, which has earned him both national and international recognition.
Maj.-Gen. Cyril Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, highlighted that these interventions form part of the Army’s non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges in Nigeria by fostering goodwill with local communities.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the Army for its role in maintaining security and for honoring Maj.-Gen. Ajunwa. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security as a foundation for state development.
Senator Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd.), representing Abia Central Senatorial District, praised the Nigerian Army for the symbolic projects, noting their immediate benefits in alleviating the community’s challenges, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure.
