The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Saturday, inaugurated the 2 Brigade Headquarters Complex at Mbiokporo Cantonment near Uyo in Akwa Ibom.
Lagbaja, while inaugurating the complex as part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units of the Nigerian Army, lauded the 2 Brigade for developing the Cantonment, which, according to him, was covered with dense vegetation in years past.
“I recall in January, this complex was still occupied by oil palm trees and other dense vegetation. This shows great transformation. I dedicate this edifice to the Glory of God and the benefit of man,” Lagbaja said.
The Chief of Army Staff, who addressed the troops of the 2 Brigade shortly after the inauguration lauded them for their resilience in maintaining adequate security in Akwa Ibom.
He advised them to show a high level of professionalism and discipline that the Army is known for, assuring them that their challenges and concerns have been noted and would be addressed in no distant time.
Lagbaja assured them that the Federal Government has given directives for payment of backlog of their group life assurance even to the families of deceased personnel, who did not receive theirs while alive.
He urged them to remain dedicated to duties and loyal, as that was the only way to reciprocate the goodwill they receive from government.
The COAS assured the troops that arrangement has been concluded to build quarters for them so that they can bring in their families.
“We have awarded contract, in the next one or two weeks, contractors will start building accommodation.
“Other challenges of combat enablers, tools to work with, more vehicles and inadequate personnel within the Brigade, we have taken note of them and I want to assure you that they would be addressed.
“So, my advice to you is to continue to remain dedicated and loyal.
“For the backlog of group life assurance, the government has already given directives that it should be paid and for the families of the deceased personnel, whose group life assurance has not been paid, their families will receive it.
“The Federal Government has promised to buy helicopters for us and so many interventions, so, continue to remain dedicated and loyal for that is the way of reciprocating the good gesture of the federal government,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander of the 2 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Ken Chigbu, while presenting a Souvenir to the COAS noted that though he (Lagbaja) left the Brigade many years ago, his legacies remain indelible in the state.
Chigbu noted that the clock presented to him symbolises a tick of time of his footprints in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
