By Uzo Ugwunze
It was an atmosphere of Comradie and a sort of carnival for the people of Lilu community, the management, teachers and pupils of Ogwumabiri Primary school Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State as the Nigerian Army distributed educational materials as part of the Army Civil/Military relationship.
The Army, as it is their tradition of academic excellence and Civil/Military relationship decided to put a smile on the faces of the pupils of the school by sharing out quality school bags and exercise books to give them a sense of belonging and to inspire them to pursue academic excellence while creating an atmosphere of comradie with the community.
Presenting the gifts on behalf of Major Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu, Brig Gen SA Jimoh said it was an act motivated by the believe of the Army that education is a legacy and a strong tool for social engineering, economic well-being and positive all round development.
He encouraged the staff’s and Children of the school to use the gifts to improve their academic qualities.
He also assures them that the Nigerian Army is solidly on ground to provide maximum security not just for the pupils of the school but the entire community and indeed the State.
Speaking to newsmen the deputy director Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni said the children are the future of any community and without development there can be no peace hence the move by the Army to develop the children as leaders of tomorrow.
Responding to a question, he emphasizes that peace is gradually returning to the community. He encouraged those who are afraid of coming back to return to their home.
Receiving the gift, the headteacher of the school, Mrs Grace Nnubia thanked the Nigerian Army for the kind gesture and promised to uphold the standards of the school to meet the excellence for which the Nigerian Army is known.
The joyous face of the children as they received the gift was enough appreciation for the Nigerian Army.
The community was also grateful that the Army has brought activities and social interaction into their otherwise deserted community.
Some of the Officers’ who were part of the presentation team were Colonel Madaki Yakubu Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Onitsha and other senior officers from 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu.
