Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has applauded officers of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze , Owerri, for their commitment in the fight against insecurity in the state.
He said the Army officers through their diligence and unwavering dedication contributed immensely in the successes recorded in the reduction of violent crimes and restoration of peace and stability in Imo.
Uzodimma,represented by the Imo Head of Service, Barr. Raymond Ucheoma stated this at the 2023 West African Social Activity (WASA) held at the Obinze barracks parade ground, Owerri, weekend.
The Imo governor pledged the continued support of the state government to the army command and urged them not to relent in their selfless services to the nation.
He also prayed for the souls of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the fight for a peaceful Imo as well as commiserated with their families over the loss.
Earlier in his speech, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Usman Lawal reiterated his commitment and that of the command to the fight against insecurity.
Lawal thanked his officers and soldiers for their dedicated efforts towards ensuring peace and stability in Imo and urged them to redouble their efforts.
He said that the efforts resulted in drastic reduction of oil theft, a successful yuletide and new year celebrations as well as a successful governorship election.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his fatherly leadership and immense support for the brigade.
He also thanked Uzodinma for his ceaseless support, stressing that the ongoing Exercise Golden Dawn III has recorded huge success in the state as a result of the governor’s continued efforts.
The army commander also solicited continued support of the Imo residents to the Brigade and urged them to report suspected persons and activities to relevant authorities for appropriate action.
He said, “We recorded a huge success in our operations and successfully nipped nefarious activities in the bud in all parts of the state indicating that our commitment to peace and security remains sacrosanct.
“Also, the Exercise Golden Dawn III ensured a peaceful yuletide and has aided the war against a secessionist group and led to the neutralisation of criminal elements.”
The event was attended by representatives of all security agencies in the state as well as the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, represented by Brig.-Gen. O.O. Ejere, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze C. N Okeke among other heads of academic institutions, religious leaders, political and community chieftains.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of meritorous service awards to soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the year 2023.
Also, the event witnessed social activities including cultural dance performances, thug of war displays, drama, comics and inspection of local delicacies.
Recall that WASA is an annual event marked by the Nigerian Army to celebrate a successful training and operation year, providing an avenue for officers and soldiers to whine away from the normal military activities.
