Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has emphasized the importance of citizens' support in achieving national security objectives. Speaking during the inauguration of a renovated community primary and secondary school in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Shaibu said that citizens' trust, cooperation, and active participation remain vital to the success of the Army's operations.
The renovation project is part of the Nigerian Army's Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The interventions include the complete renovation of classroom blocks in both the primary and secondary school sections, the provision of desks, the construction of three new toilets, the distribution of writing materials, new uniforms, and school bags for pupils and students. The project is one of many commissioned by the Nigerian Army in Rivers State, with a total of over 250 intervention projects across the country's six geopolitical zones.
The community primary and secondary school was renovated to foster public support and enhance civil-military cooperation. Lieutenant General Shaibu also noted that the interventions cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. He commended the community leaders for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project and urged them to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its long-term maintenance.
Gift Worlu, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, lauded the Army for the intervention and promised to ensure that the facilities inaugurated to enhance teaching and learning are well secured and protected.
The Nigerian Army has successfully commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country's six geopolitical zones. These projects include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories, and roads, as well as the provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes, and Information and Communications Technology facilities. These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government.
'Today's ceremony provides the Nigerian Army yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school.'
The COAS also mentioned several other intervention projects in Rivers State, including the renovation of community secondary schools in Luusue, Khana Local Government Area, and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as the provision of a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West).
'As an Army, we recognize the indispensable role that the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted, and dynamic security environment,' Lieutenant General Shaibu said.
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