Dignitaries Storms Nko for Commissioning of Trio Development Projects in Honour of Maj. Gen. Frank Etim
Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State witnessed a historic event as top military officers, political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures on Wednesday April 2nd gathered to commission five significant infrastructure projects in honour of Major General Frank Etim.
The commissioning ceremony of the NKO Unity Town Square, which featured the unveiling of the Master Warrant Officer Sunday Etim Pavilion, the Nko-Nko Ndelopon and ibolokom Mini Open Halls, and the Unity Statue with Lock-Up Shops, was marked by cultural displays and heartfelt celebrations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Representing by Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Doma. commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the Nigerian Army’s efforts to give back to communities associated with officers who have served with distinction.
He emphasized that such civil-military cooperation projects have been successfully implemented across the six geopolitical zones, including hospitals, schools, roads, boreholes, and ICT facilities.
“This project is a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national unity and development,” Maj. Gen. Nzan stated. “We honour Major General Etim, who has represented Nko and the Nigerian Army with pride, rising through the ranks to the prestigious status of Major General.”
"Indeed, we are here to honor Nko, community for the service of Your Son by commissioning the newly constructed pavilion and two mini halls in the Nko square.
These projects will promote the social, cultural well being of the people by providing suitable space for boosting functions and strengthening common coexistence among the community and their neighbors".
"The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursue both kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations, we will collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as with communities alike, to ensure a secure and enabling environment for socio economic development to thrive", Oluyede maintained
He urged the community to take ownership and ensure the longevity of the facilities, while appreciating the support from the people of Yakurr and Cross River State.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to ensure peace and security. He lauded the people of Cross River State for their support in the fight against criminal activities in the South-South region.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, highlighted the commendable service of Maj. Gen. Etim, describing him as a distinguished infantry officer and current Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, highlighted the commendable service of Maj. Gen. Etim, describing him as a distinguished infantry officer and current Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its resolve to collaborate with communities and stakeholders in building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The sole administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, represented by Retired Rear Admiral Obono Ekwe, commended the Army and Major General Etim, describing the projects as well-conceived and beneficial to fostering civil-military harmony. He urged the NKO Development Union to maintain the facilities to fulfill their intended purpose.
the project initiator and commander Nigeria army school of Infantry, Jaji, Major General Frank Etim said the project is a line with the chief of army staff command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of Nigerian army towards bequeathing a well motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge it constitutional responsibility within a joint and multi agency environment.
According to him, "Nko qualifies as one of those multi-dimensional environment where the Nigerian army operates'; continuing the ideas to construct the pavilion in this unity square was born in 2023 during annual Nko new yam festival where my consciousness was reawakening to the necessity for a more benefiting seating arena and signifying the might and valour of NKO Nko nde lopon", Etim added
In their remarks, House of Representatives Member for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona, and State Assembly Member Rev. Mercy Akpama, praised the Army's initiative and pledged legislative support for community development.
Community leaders including the Village Head of Nko, Obol Efifiom Ayomobi, expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army and Major General Etim for the honour and investment in the community.
The event marks another milestone in the Army's civil-military cooperation initiative, reinforcing the role of military institutions in national development beyond the battlefield.
This is very commendable, I thank General Frank for this very laudable initiative. To God be the Glory.
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