COAS Commissions Solar Water Project In Adamawa State

COAS Commissions Solar Water Project In Adamawa State

By Matthew Atungwu

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has commissioned a solar-powered water plant for the Gwadabawa Community in Adamawa state, among other initiatives, in a noteworthy demonstration of his commitment to community development and citizen welfare.

Providing the community with readily available, portable, and clean water is the goal of the initiative, which was a part of the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation initiative.

It also demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Army to providing for the public good.

During the commissioning event, the COAS stressed that the Nigerian Army is the army of the people, emphasizing the vital role that the Army plays in protecting the country and enhancing the welfare of its residents.

He expressed gratitude to an illustrious son of the community, Major General Mohammed Bello for his selfless service to the nation, which he noted served as the impetus and inspiration for the water project in his community.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the COAS remarked that the project aims to address the critical need for clean water in the community.

It is also expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the residents while improving access to safe drinking water and promoting better hygiene practices.

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He further noted that, by undertaking initiatives like the water project, the Nigerian Army demonstrates its dedication to serving the people beyond its core responsibilities.

Gen Lagbaja further noted that the commissioning of the water project marks a significant step towards community development and reflects the Nigerian Army’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by its members who hail from the communities.

He said the project will equally strengthen the bond between the army and the people they protect, fostering a sense of unity, shared responsibility, and mutual respect.

He revealed that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to national security, social responsibility, and the well-being of the Nigerian people while thanking the President and Commander in Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the military.

He thanked the project executor for the quality of work done and for ensuring the completion of the project within the time frame.

Delivering his welcome address earlier, the project executor, Major General Mohammed Bello thanked the COAS for honoring him with the project.

He noted that the special intervention project was undertaken and completed with the capacity to provide forty thousand liters of potable water to the community on a daily basis.

He noted the significance of the initiative towards permanently resolving the epileptic water supply in the area.

Delivering his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Nosa Ugbo explained that the project was a symbol of friendship between the Nigerian Army and the civil society.

He further noted that it was a non-kinetic approach to addressing contemporary security challenges.

On his part, the Executive Governor of Adamawa state, Rt Hon Umaru Fintiri applauded the Army for going beyond its constitutional responsibility to provide basic infrastructure for the citizens.

He revealed the commitment of the state government to ensuring portable water supply remains the topmost priority among the welfare needs of the people.

The governor, while being represented by Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday, Chief of Staff for Adamawa State, said that the Adamawa State government will keep working with the NA to make sure that security is given first priority. He stated, “We think it is impossible to engage in any meaningful development without security.”

State government representatives, top military commanders in active duty and retirement, chiefs of security agencies, and traditional and community leaders were present during the programme.