Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive atmosphere for personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of ensuring peace and security in the state.
He saluted the courage and determination of the Nigerian Army personnel who have made huge sacrifices to keep Nigeria as a united nation.
Governor Mutfwang made these remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. The Chief of Army Staff was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration.
Mutfwang praised the Nigerian Army for choosing Jos to celebrate years of steadfastness and resilience in combating external and internal aggressions, identifying Jos as a testament to their unwavering commitment to peace.
“We are glad that you chose Plateau State this year as the venue for the Army Day celebrations. To us, it is an honor. It is a sign of the confidence you have in Plateau State, that at least in the last one year, you have done remarkably well.
“This is not surprising because I would recall that when the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs were appointed last year, there was some sort of celebration across the nation. This was not only because the security architecture was being done to reflect our federal character as a country, but of course, because a cream of very competent officers were chosen.
“I am sure that Mr President’s confidence in you has not been misplaced and the Nigerian people are also happy that you have served distinguishedly as Chief of Army Staff since the coming on board of this administration,” he stated.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said he was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration and highlighted that it would help cement the relationship and deepen collaboration with the state by learning from past experiences with the hope of achieving more.
Gen. Lagbaja appreciated the Governor for supporting all military formations in the state and promised to give their best in safeguarding lives and property.
He intimated the governor that as part of the celebration, the Nigerian Army has initiated some projects with direct benefits to the people.
“I am in Plateau to take part in the activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day celebration, 2024, and I want to seize this opportunity to proficiently thank you for receiving my team and I at the Government House.
“The platform of the NADA 2024 has afforded us the opportunity to bring a large number of Nigerian Army personnel and our equipment to Plateau. This will go a long way to cement the friendship, the understanding, and the cordial relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army, the government, and the good people of Plateau State.
“We commissioned some special intervention projects, renovation of schools, and provision of some critical infrastructures in some communities in Plateau State. Five of these intervention projects will be commissioned as part of Nigerian Army Day 2024.”
The Army Day celebration 2024, with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment,” has a series of activities from the first to sixth of July.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
July 2nd, 2024.