‎Welfare of troops must be prioritised, says Makinde •Celebrates Sallah with soldiers in Igbeti

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said the welfare of military personnel must be prioritised in view of the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform to keep the country safe.
‎Makinde stated this on Friday during the Chief of Army Staff Special Sallah Celebration with troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, held at the Forward Operating Base, Igbeti, in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
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‎According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor commended the troops for their dedication to security operations in the state, noting that their efforts had contributed to making Oyo one of the safest states in the country.
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‎He said the level of peace being enjoyed in the state had made it possible for the government to record progress in the economy, education, health and other sectors.
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‎According to him, the period of Ramadan symbolises sacrifice, a value that soldiers demonstrate daily in the course of their duties.
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‎“While many of us are with our families celebrating Eid, our men and women in uniform are at the frontline keeping the rest of us safe. Their sacrifices cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
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‎Makinde added that no meaningful development could take place without security, stressing that investment, trade, education and social activities thrive only in a peaceful environment.
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‎He therefore assured the troops that their welfare would continue to receive priority attention, while also appreciating the leadership of the Nigerian Army for policies aimed at improving the well-being of personnel.
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‎“I want to thank the Chief of Army Staff, the GOC and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army for programmes and policies put in place to ensure that the welfare of our troops is taken seriously,” the governor said.
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‎He prayed for the protection of the soldiers and their families, noting that their sacrifices for the nation would never be in vain.
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‎Speaking earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who was represented by Major-General M.D. Shagaya, Commander, Corps Supply and Transport, praised officers and soldiers of the division for their discipline, resilience and commitment, which he said had led to improved security in the area.
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‎He also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and appreciated the support of the Oyo State Government, describing it as a major factor behind the successes recorded by the division.
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‎In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major-General Chinedu Nnebeife, thanked Governor Makinde for the consistent support his administration had given to the Nigerian Army over the past several years.
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‎He also commended the Chief of Army Staff for initiatives aimed at boosting the morale of troops, noting that the Sallah luncheon was one of such efforts.
‎The event was attended by the Garrison Commander, 2 Division, Brigadier-General A.S. Bugaje; Senior Executive Assistant (General Duties) to the Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman/Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni; the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Olalekan Siyanbola IV; the Asiwaju of Igbeti, Chief Jacob Adetoro; local government chairmen, religious leaders and other dignitaries.