The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Dike Ogu 1 (War Lord) of Imo.
The Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Imo, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, conferred the title on the Army Chief, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Owerri on Tuesday.
The visit was part of activities marking the commemoration of the year 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Okeke, who thanked the COAS for his efforts at restoring peace in Imo, pledged his readiness to partner with the Army and other security agencies in the state in the fight against criminality.
“We take cognisance of the partnership of the Nigerian Army with the Imo Government and we pledge our readiness to assist in whatever way it is required of us to ensure lasting peace in Imo,” he said.
Responding, Yahaya thanked the traditional ruler and his cabinet for the honour bestowed on him and said that he had come to pay homage to him in line with the dictates of tradition as Imo was hosting the NADCEL.
He urged traditional rulers in the state to keep watchful eyes, partner security agencies and report obnoxious conducts capable of disrupting peace to relevant quarters.
Also, the Nigerian Army inaugurated 28 solar-powered classroom blocks and a science laboratory in various parts of Imo.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, who inaugurated the projects said the projects were part of the efforts by the Nigerian Army aimed at fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibilities.
The inauguration of the projects was part of activities marking the year 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Of the 28 classroom blocks, 12 were inaugurated at the Army Children Primary School, while six were at the Army Day Secondary School, both in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Other inaugurated projects were 10 classroom blocks at Nkwerre LGA and a medical science laboratory in Obowo LGA.
Speaking at the various locations, the Army Chief thanked the communities for cooperating with his officers and soldiers and urged them to maintain a robust relationship with the Nigerian Army.
He said that the social needs of host communities remained an area of great concern to the Force.
According to him, the social needs would help to make life easier for the people and improve civil-military relations in the areas.
“We are very conscious of our responsibilities toward our host communities and that is why we decided to, in the spirit of nationhood, embark on these projects.
“We are confident that these projects, when put to their best use, would not only benefit the people but also improve civil-military relations in our areas of operation,’’ he said.
The Force also conducted a free medical outreach in Avu town, Owerri West LGA.
