Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army (NA), inaugurated the newly constructed Headquarters Complex for the 8 Division at Giginya Barracks in Sokoto on Monday, August 14, 2023.
During the ceremony, COAS Lagbaja extended his congratulations to the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the 8 Division for the impressive Divisional Headquarters building. This new facility is equipped with cutting-edge amenities to provide an optimal working environment. He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to uphold this responsibility.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, conveyed that COAS Lagbaja also directed the personnel of the 8 Division to convert the favorable working environment into heightened productivity, justifying the substantial investment in the infrastructure. He assured the Division of his unwavering support in addressing security challenges within the Division’s jurisdiction.
In his address to the troops, COAS Lagbaja stressed the significance of professionalism in fulfilling their constitutional duties. He assured that the Army Headquarters would diligently provide the necessary resources to enhance the execution of operational tasks.
At the Government House in Sokoto, COAS Lagbaja expressed satisfaction with the positive attitude of the Sokoto state Government and its citizens towards the Nigerian Army and its endeavors. He expressed gratitude to the Government for their substantial support during the establishment phase of the 8 Division in Sokoto. He conveyed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to collaboratively combat security challenges in Sokoto and neighboring states, underscoring the necessity of ongoing cooperation from the state’s government and people to bolster troop confidence and operational efficiency.
Governor Alh (Dr) Aliyu Ahmed Sokoto commended COAS Lagbaja for selecting Sokoto for his inaugural operational visit since assuming office. The Governor believed this visit would allow the COAS to directly assess the needs and challenges of the troops, motivating them to perform their duties with greater professionalism. The Governor acknowledged the troops’ efforts in tackling banditry and pledged the Government’s unwavering support for their collaboration with other security agencies to counter insecurity in the region.
At the Sultan of Sokoto’s palace, COAS Lagbaja expressed gratitude to His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for his efforts in promoting peace across the nation through the traditional institution. COAS Lagbaja praised the Sultan for honoring the former COAS, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, with a warm reception and the traditional title of Zarumai Sokoto. This gesture was regarded as an honor for the entire Nigerian Army. COAS Lagbaja acknowledged the pivotal role of the Sultan as a peacebuilder and assured continued reliance on his support and that of the traditional institution.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, pleased with the visit, called on all Nigerian Army officers and soldiers to fully back COAS Lagbaja’s endeavors in meeting the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army. The Sultan emphasized the importance of loyalty and accountability to the nation among all personnel.
