Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has commended the Nigerian Army for partnering the state in it education development programmes maintaining that the gesture would ensure a brighter future for the younger generation.
Governor Emmanuel handed down the commendation during his interaction with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General T. Y. Buratai who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.
He said the Nigerian Armed Forces has done exceedingly well by establishing education institutions in the state with the citing of Army Command Science Secondary School in Efa, Etinan Local Government Area, Naval Technical College in Ekparakwa and approval granted for establishment of Naval War College.
The Governor congratulated the Chief of Army Staff for succesfully curbing the menace of insurgency in the North East stressing that the victory is no mean feat considering the degree of devastation the terrorist have caused the Country particularly the North East region … “let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Government and good people of the state to sincerely congratulate you for steming the tide of insurgency in the North East. Honestly you have left a legacy in the country” Governor Emmanuel remarked.
He noted that Buratai’s tenure has recorded significant strides which has gone into the annals of history and used the occasion to solicit the recruitment of indigenes of the state into officers cadre of the Nigerian Army emphasising that the state has qualified and talented persons that could be recruited into the force.
Earlier in his speech, Lt. Gen. Buratai who lauded the rapid development of infrastructure in the state and existing cordial relationship between the state and the Army said the relative peace enjoyed in the state is traceable to the support given the Army by the state government.
He explained that the 2nd Brigade Command which is established in Akwa Ibom state for strategic reasons would enhance the security architecture of the country and expressed appreciation to the Governor for allocating a large portion of land for the building of another arrack in the state.
The Army Chief said the Command will require pulling of resources from the Military and state government to provide adequate facilities and acknowledged the support of the State administration to the Nigerian Army .
Lt. Gen. Buratai condoled the people of the state on the December 10thChurch building collapse prayed God to heal the injured and take away a reoccurance of such disaster in the state.