Governor Eno welcomes Army Chief, calls for more support from A’Ibom indigenes

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno hosted a State banquet for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Toareed Lagbaja and his entourage at Government House, Uyo. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the State Government and the Nigerian Army, as well as the return of Lagbaja to the state as a three-star General.

Lagbaja, who had served as Commander 2 Brigade, Uyo, said he was happy to be back in the state and thanked the people for their friendship and hospitality. He also commended the State Government for its support to the Army formation and units in the state, especially in providing surveillance on water. He assured that the Army would continue to work with the State Government to ensure security and development.

Governor Eno praised Lagbaja for his achievements and described his visit as homecoming. He also lauded Major General Uwem Bassey for constructing and renovating classrooms, staff quarters, water and sanitation facilities in a rural school in the state, which were inaugurated by Lagbaja earlier in the day. He said the project was in line with his administration’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda.

Governor Eno also urged Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Military and other Federal Government agencies to identify with their home state and participate in its governance and development. He said his administration was open to input from well-meaning indigenes and would initiate a periodic meeting of such indigenes for the purpose of uniting and moving the state forward.

Major General Bassey, who is from Akwa Ibom State and works at the Nigerian Defence Research and Development Bureau, expressed his gratitude to Lagbaja for initiating and approving the community development programme for senior officers in the Army. He said he was glad to execute the project on his alma mater, Mbiabong Etim Primary School in Ini Local Government Area.