Army commissions projects in Nembe School, Bayelsa

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has commissioned a number of projects in Nembe National Grammar School (NNGS) located in Nembe Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State.

The projects were said to have been facilitated by the Army’s Director of Engineering Services, Major General I. A. Allison, who is an indigene of Nembe and a former senior prefect of NNGS in 1988.

According to a Niger Delta Herald report, the projects include the construction of library bookshelves, construction of eight toilets, remodelling of the school’s main gate, water reticulation and supply at the kitchen and hostels.

Others are renovation of sick bay and supply of drugs and essential medical equipment, renovation of science laboratories, and supply of laboratory equipment.

The report further indicated that the renovation of the school kitchen, provision of solar lights at the dining hall and establishment of a Computer Based Test (CBT) centre equipped with 168 computers were among the school projects facilitated by Major General Allison.

The representative of the Chief of Army Staff at the commissioning ceremony, Major General Jamal Abdusalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, said that the far-reaching projects which are Classified as Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) were executed across the country.

According to him, it is part of the Army’s non-kinetic approaches in combating security challenges confronting the country.

In his speech at the event, Major General Allison expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for providing funds for the projects and giving him the opportunity to serve and better the lives of the people of Nembe.

He emphasized that “a peaceful environment will always give birth to development”, while applauding Nembe people for their cooperation during the period of execution of the projects.

He enjoined Nembe inhabitants to see the projects as their own and give them the needed protection against likely theft and vandalism.

The army general who has been widely lauded for the kind gesture towards his alma mater, sought for continued collaboration between the Army and the community.

The Chairman of NNGS 1983/1988 set, Hon. Oteigbanyo George-Braah, was among many who have poured encomium on General Allison and hailed the Nigerian Army for the uncommon initiative of executing the noteworthy projects in the school.

George-Braah, a lawmaker representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, described Allison’s contribution to NNGS as unique and unmatched.

The state legislator noted that by his attraction of the manifold projects in his alma mater and his huge concern for the growth and development of NNGS, the General has become an impeccable role model to all the students of the school.

The assembly member said the 1983/1988 set will make a donation of 150 chairs to the school to support the efforts of Allison.

“On behalf of the 1983/1988 set, we commend your efforts and we will complement them by donating 150 chairs to the school,” George-Braah reportedly stated.

He urged Nembe people who are opportune to occupy privileged offices to emulate Major General Allison by utilizing their positions to facilitate impactful projects to their respective communities.