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Ben Dunno, Warri
The Commander 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Sanusi Aliyu, has underscored the importance of a robust working partnership between the military and civil society In enhancing welfare of men and officers at the various unit level.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of some projects at 3Battalion, Effurun Barracks on Thursday, the Commander applauded the leadership qualities of both Commanding Officers, Main and Rear, Lt. Col. KA Akinsowo and Major Augustine Ohegbe, respectively, for their commitment towards uplifting troops living standards.
While acknowledged the immense contributions of High Chief Peter Orajile Esievo, to growth of the Battalion with some key projects he had embarked upon in boosting living conditions of men and officers in the unit, Brigadier General Aliyu urge other well meaning Deltans to emulate his kind gestures and dispositions.
According to him, “Today’s occasion underscores the importance of complementing operational successes in the field with sound administration and robust welfare of troops and their families.
“To this end, I have watched with keen interest how the Commanding Officers of 3 Battalion, both Main and Rear hit the ground running immediately after assumption of office”.
“That is the power of leadership and unity of purpose. These projects thus represent a remarkable milestone in the history of the Battalion. At last, we can say that the Unit Quarter Guard is now at its rightful place”.
“These achievements no doubt is a demonstration of selflessness, commitment and purposeful leadership which are necessary criteria to accomplish the COAS Command Philosophy, which is To transform the Nigerian Army (NA) into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
“In the same vein, the goodwill that followed this ceremony is an acknowledgment of the good job well done by the leadership of the Unit”.
Continuing; “The commissioning ceremony also highlights the importance of impactful friendship in the discourse of corporate social responsibility. In this regard, I wish to commend the efforts and laudable contributions of High Chief Peter Orajile Esievo to the welfare of personnel of this Unit and by extension the NA”.
“I am aware that the block of flats renovated by High Chief Esievo to support soldiers and their families, is not the first of such by him and certainly will not be the last. I therefore thank you most sincerely for complementing the NA’s efforts of improving the welfare of personnel”.
“Finally, I commend these wonderful projects and overall efforts of the Commanding Officers, both Main and Rear for taking bold steps towards ensuring the welfare of troops. This will go a long way in lifting the spirits of personnel and their families in the Barracks”.
“While I congratulate the Unit, let me urge you not to rest on your oars as you are expected to put the projects to good use and maintain the facilities therein”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commanding Officer (CO) Main of 3Battalion, Lt. Col. Lt. Col. KA Akinsowo, had commended the 63 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Sanusi Aliyu, for the supporting role he had played in ensuring that personnel continue to enjoy an improved working environment under his watch.
He also appreciated the efforts of his Commanding Officer (Rear) Major Augustine Ohegbe, for his dedication to duties and foresightedness in ensuring the completion of the various projects embarked upon in a record time even as he applauded the unrelenting commitment of High Chief Esievo, in bringing smiles to faces of personnel in the unit by improving their wellbeing.
“I bring you all warm greetings from the Unit’s Main element in the North East Operation HADIN KAI as I appreciate your prayers and support. Today is indeed a special day for us in this Battalion. Sir, it is noteworthy that this Unit in particular and the Brigade in general continues to enjoy operational successes under your exemplary leadership”.
“Today’s ceremony is therefore a testament to your guidance and enduring support. The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) sir, senior officers, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen since assuming command of the Ever Ready Battalion few months ago, we saw the need to add to the development of the Unit to enhance the regimentation, professionalism and welfare of our personnel”.
“This aligns with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy which seeks to having a highly motivated force. Accordingly, we identified some major areas that required immediate intervention and the need for a befitting quarter guard among other requirements of the Unit.
“To the glory of God, the efforts of the past few months have brought us to this day of this ceremony. Today, the SGOH shall be commissioning the newly constructed Quarter Guard, Saluting Dais as well as the renovated Main Gate duty house”.
“Other completed projects for commissioning include the renovated Corporal and Below Quarter Block 54, the remodeled and renovated Military Police/Intelligence offices as well as the constructed guard posts”.
“At this juncture, permit me to recognise and appreciate High Chief Peter Orajile Esievo, the Ugherughe 1 of Agboh Kingdom who has demonstrated his friendship with the unit through purposeful contribution to the welfare and development of the Battalion”.
“Because of him sir, 12 x families, some of whose husbands and fathers are in the frontline, will be having a very conducive accommodation at the end of this occasion”.
“To our High Chief, we wish to say a big thank you for your constant support to this Unit. Our prayer is for the Almighty to bless you abundantly”.
“I therefore seize the opportunity to call on our well-meaning friends to identify with the Unit in such regards. Like the proverbial Soldier Come, Soldier Go but Barracks remain”, you too like High Chief Esievo can be part of the Unit’s history and have your names written in gold”.
“On this note, I once again thank the SGOH, our distinguished invited guests for your esteemed presence. I thank the Commanding Officer (Rear) as well as the dependable officers and soldiers of this unit for their contribution and efforts to make today a reality”.
“It is our hope that the Unit shall soon invite you to the commissioning ceremony of more projects soon”.
The event later witnessed the commissioning of the various projects at the unit and the planting of trees at the residential areas to beautify the barracks.
