By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, Port Harcourt Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, has charged officers and soldiers of the division to do whatever it takes to ensure continued increase in the nation’s crude oil output.
The GOC gave the charge at the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, held in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
He enjoined them to remain dedicated, focused and committed to the discharge of their responsibilities of ensuring zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism and other associated crimes with a view to maintaining peace and stability while sustaining Nigeria’s economic lifeline.
Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam described the West African Social Activities (WASA) as one of the significant events that are part of the customs and traditions of the Nigerian Army, adding that the event is meant to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers and their families through social displays, musical performances and other regimental activities.
He said; “It (WASA) is also an avenue for informal social interaction and forum for the barracks communities to showcase the rich and diversified cultural heritage of our great nation.
“Additionally it is an event that marks the end of an eventful training year while heralding the beginning of a new year”.
He pointed out that the 2024 training activities were designed to sharpen troops skills, toughen their endurance, introduce them to new ways of doing things while reminding them on the rudiments of basic soldiering, and were also successfully conducted with a lot of positive gains.
The GOC said the gains were visible during the various operations of the division, which facilitated the maintenance of security, peace, social economic and political stability within the division’s area of responsibility.
“The tenure activities were headed by the division’s Garrison and Division’s Training School in amphibious and riverine operations, equally reflected the achievements recorded during the operations to clear criminal camps of IPOB, ESN and other criminal groups along the shared operations boundary of 82-Division particularly the Imo River”, he stated.
He expressed delight on the successful conclusion of the 2024 training cycle saying; “Having set this pace, I am delighted to say that we have cause to celebrate and thank God for successes of 6 Division in the last 12 months.
“As we embark on yet another training cycle for the year 2025 I enjoin you all to remain dedicated, focused and committed in the discharge of our collective responsibilities of ensuring zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism and other associated crimes with a view to maintaining peace and stability while sustaining the economic lifeline of Nigeria”.
He did not forget to pay tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep Nigeria safe.
“For us to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded we must remain loyal, steadfast and resilient and we must ensure that we provide the enabling environment for production to be sustained in order for the Federal Government to fiscal target for 2025 and beyond”, Maj Gen Abdulsalam urged.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Israel Lebara who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the event, thanked the Nigerian Army for sustaining the programme and their efforts at curbing the various security challenges bedeviling the country.
“The efforts of the Nigerian Army in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft and ethno- religious crisis, among others with dedication and sacrifice is worthy of our commendation.
“In Rivers State particularly we are impressed by the zeal, dedication and vigour with which you confront identified security challenges within the state”, the commissioner said.
He commended officers and soldiers of the division for their maintenance of peace and order in the state and pledge the support and collaboration of the state government with the Army in all its activities.
