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By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
In a major effort to improve on its civil -military cooperation and enhance the course of nation building, the Nigerian Army has launched five transformative projects in Cross River State.
These projects, located in Nko community of Yakurr Local Government Area in Cross River State showcased the army’s commitment to community and also reflects a broader trend of military involvement in nation-building efforts.
The projects which comprise the Nko Unity Town Square, the Master Warrant Officer Sunday Etim Pavilion, the Nko-Nko Ndelopon and ibolokom Mini Open Halls and the Unity Statue with Lock-Up Shops were launched in honour of Major Gen. Frank Etim.
The projects were inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Doma.
The army chief noted that the projects align with its efforts to give back to communities associated with officers who have served with distinction.
He emphasized that such civil-military cooperation projects have been successfully implemented across the six geopolitical zones, including hospitals, schools, roads, boreholes, and ICT facilities.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursue both kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations. This project is a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national unity and development.
“We honour Major General Etim, who has represented Nko and the Nigerian Army with pride, rising through the ranks to the prestigious status of Major General. Indeed, we are here to honor Nko community for the service of your son by commissioning the newly constructed pavilion and two mini halls in the Nko square.
“These projects will promote the social, cultural well being of the people by providing suitable space for boosting functions and strengthening common coexistence among the community and their neighbours,” Oluyede said.
He urged the community to take ownership and ensure the longevity of the facilities, while appreciating the support from the people of Yakurr and Cross River State.
Also speaking, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to ensure peace and security. He lauded the people of Cross River State for their support in the fight against criminal activities in the South-South region.
Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, highlighted the commendable service of Maj. Gen. Etim and described him as a distinguished infantry officer.
Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, represented by Rear Admiral Obono Ekwe (retd), commended the Army and Major General Etim. He described the projects as well-conceived and beneficial to fostering civil-military harmony and tasked Nko Development Union to maintain the facilities to fulfill their intended purpose.
Project initiator and Commander, Nigeria Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Major General Frank Etim, said the project is consistent with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy of consolidating on the transformation of the Army.
He said the idea to construct the pavilion in this unity square was born in 2023 during the annual Nko New Yam Festival.
“During the festival, my consciousness was reawakening to the necessity for a more benefiting seating arena and signifying the might and valour of NKO Nko nde lopon”, he said.
Member representing of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, Hon. Alex Egbona, and State Assembly member Rev. Mercy Akpama, praised the Army’s initiative and pledged legislative support for community development.
Also speaking, a community leader in the area Obol Effifiom Ayomobi, expressed deep appreciation to the army on behalf of the Obol Lupon of Nko, his council of Chiefs and the entire community.
“The Nko Development Council express our profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and by extension the Nigerian Army for the execution of this special intervention project in our community. We will forever remain grateful and pray for God’s blessings upon their lives” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army and Maj. Gen. Etim for the honour and investment in the community.
On his part, Ikpi Akpama, a former council chairman of Yakurr, thanked the army for the projects and for honouring its son who was a man of honour, integrity and noted for good deeds. He said they are most grateful for this honour and is indeed heartwarming that the new pavilion has been named after him.
Similarly, Obol Ubana Ebri, the Clan Head of Abanankpai ward in Nko, said the people appreciate all the interventions in the community saying it’s quite timely. He said like Oliver Twist, they will like to have an army secondary school within the community and prayed that this will be possible by God’s grace.
