Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday advocated more appreciation for the sacrifices of the security agencies, including the Nigerian Army. He said the military has played important roles in supporting civilian authorities at all times, especially when the country faced intense pressure from hostile non-state actors.
The Governor spoke in Igbaja, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, at the commissioning of a Computer Based Testing (CBT) centre, a special intervention project of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. The project was executed by Major General Adelokun Eyitayo, a serving military officer and native of Igbaja Land, who also launched his three books: **’Life of Prince Daud and Spirituality,’ ‘Tears for Suni and Titi,’ and ‘The Boy on the Highland’.**
“This computer centre means a lot for the socioeconomic growth of this community. Not only does it nudge members of the community towards the acquisition of necessary skills for this age, but it also opens up new frontiers of socioeconomic benefits for Igbaja and surrounding communities,” the Governor said.
“I am also fascinated by the spirit behind this project. It is timely and necessary. The need for better military-civil relations cannot be over-emphasized. Recent developments in our country again suggest a need to deepen citizens’ appreciation of the sacrifices that our security forces make to keep us safe, stabilize the fabric of our society, and ward off every threat against the Nigerian state.
“Over the last two decades, the military has played very important roles in supporting civilian authorities at all times, including when our country came under intense pressure from hostile non-state actors.”
AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government and the Chief of Army Staff for establishing the CBT centre, which he said will aid skill acquisition and boost the socioeconomic growth of the area.
“We therefore cannot thank the federal government and our military enough. We must appreciate and honor members of our security forces, including military personnel deployed in internal operations and during emergencies, and cease all attacks on them,” he added.
The commissioning attracted various dignitaries, including the CoAS Lieutenant General T. A. Lagbaja, represented by Major General Obinna Onubogu, the Elese of Igbajaland Oba Ahmed Awuni Arepo III, and Igbaja CBT Project Executor Major General Adelokun Eyitayo, among others.
Onubogu said the execution of the project further affirms the transformational drive of the Nigerian Army towards achieving its constitutional responsibility through a non-kinetic line of operations. The Army Chief thanked Governor AbdulRazaq and the people of the state for their continued support for the operations of the Nigerian Army.
“The Nigerian Army has received tremendous support from your government. It is also gladdening to note that we have enjoyed cordial working relationships with you over the years, and your support has contributed immensely to our operational success within the state and the entire North Central region,” he said.
Eyitayo thanked the CoAS for approving the project and his unwavering support for its delivery. He also appreciated the Governor for directing the purchase and supply of his three books for the use of students in public secondary schools in the state.
The Governor, meanwhile, attended the 2024 Igbaja Day celebration, where he urged the people of Igbaja to continue recognizing the rich cultural heritage and diversity that make the community unique. He congratulated the Elese of Igbaja, the Jagunmolu of Igbaja and founder of Al-hikmah University Chief Oladimeji Igbaja, and all sons and daughters of Igbaja community on the celebration, requesting them to continue to unite for accelerated growth.
“Let us embrace and celebrate our diversity, and continue to build bridges of understanding and empathy,” the Governor said. “As you are aware, our administration has embarked on various projects that touch the lives of everyone across the state, including Igbajaland. We will continue to do more to improve the lives of our people.”
Chief Oladimeji, who was excited by the Governor’s culture of arriving early for events, praised AbdulRazaq for his time management and the administration’s execution of many laudable programs and projects in the town and elsewhere.
