Mary Okpalaume, Sapele
Nigerians have been urged to maintain cordial civil military relations and support the activities of security agencies in their host communities by providing precise information and intelligence reports as well as contributing to the welfare of security formations.
This call was made by the Brigadier General O. Laleye, Comd. 4 Brigade weekend at the commissioning of a state of the art army guard post built by S. O. Solodems Nigeria and Ghana Limited and donated to the 19 Battalion, Nigerian Army in Ajagbadudu, Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Brig. Gen. Laleye while accepting the security post commended the cordial civil military relations enjoyed in the community. He however called on well meaning individuals, groups and corporate bodies to contribute their quota in the development of their communities saying that security personnel would perform maximally if they operate in a conducive environment.
He said: “There are many ways that one is interested and concerned about security in his environment. One of such ways is to provide information and intelligence to the security agencies. Another way is to ensure that there is civil military relationship between the host community and the military formation located in your environment. And one other way is to provide facilities that will enable the officers and men to carry out their duties in an environment that is very conducive. What the community gets in return is service that is unparallel. By the time soldiers are well rested and well taken care of, you will be amazed as to how well they will perform their duties.
“There is nothing as important as civil military relations and am sure that the construction of this checkpoint which is a befitting structure that can stand the test of time anywhere in the world you will agree with me that chief Solomon and this community has cemented a well owned civil military relations between the Ajagbadudu and Koko communities and the Nigerian Army especially the 19 battalion.”
The CEO, Solodems Nigeria and Ghana Limited, Sapele, Chief Solomon Odemero Ojairefe Agbagi presenting the security post, who noted that security is everyone’s business said security issues should not be left to the government alone. He added that everyone has a role to play in ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the community.
“Security is everybody’s business; the government cannot do all by itself. We as citizens will have to do what we have to do in other to complement government efforts. That is what prompted me to do this.”
Chief Agbagi further commended the military presence in Delta State, stating that they have helped in curbing crime in the area. “We can now go to sleep with our two eyes closed and we pray it should continue like this,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commanding Officer, 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. Aminu Umar commended Solodems Limited for taking up the task of building guard posts for security agencies in the state since 2010 adding that the military has made tremendous contribution in the attainment of peace and tranquility.
He however called on individuals and groups to liaise with security agencies by providing necessary information to ease their work.
