National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By: Okosun Dennis
Onigbongbo residents in Ikeja have expressed joy and satisfaction with the Nigerian Army for distributing palliatives to the community at the Oba’s palace on Saturday.
The military men had defiled the heavy downpour that almost cast a slur in the exercise, to share a truck load of food items including rice, groundnut oil, bread, indomie, salt and other items packed in white nylon bags tagged: “NADCEL 2020 palliatives.
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Olu Irefin said the token was a mark of appreciation and receptiveness they have always enjoyed from the host community which he referred to as “very warm and cordial.”
He said that this is part of the activities earmarked for the 2020 Nigerian Army Day Celebration held in Katsina State. “We chose to celebrate with our host for so many years, the Onigbongbo. We appreciate the cordial relationship that exist between the military and the communities and we are not takeing it for granted.
“We appreciate your support for being with us at all times and we promised to give you necessary security assistance anytime you call, we would be there to assist you.
“Today, we have some palliatives to distribute to our host communities. However, I assure you that this is not the end of the exercise. We don’t pray for this crisis to continue, but we shall come back soon again to distribute more so that we can reach out to more. Let’s be conscious of social distancing and wear your facemask always.”
Gen Irefin reiterated, “on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, officers and soldiers of 81 Division, we say thank you very much your highness and Chiefs in Council.”
Earlier, the Regent of Onigbongbo, Alhaji Tajudeen Alao Irawo while welcoming the GOC on the occasion of NADCEL 2020 to the palace, commended the force for the unity and peace in the country despite the human losses during the World War 1 & 2 and the Nigerian Civil War.
He was quite estastic for chosen his domain to give palliatives. According to him, “Although we have been having palliatives, but this one is the greatest. Some politicians do bring but select their own people.
“But the Army has done it in such a way that it gets to everybody. They don’t want to know who you are before you collect. So long you are living in this community, you are entitled to have a pack.
“I urge them to keep it up. Most especially, anytime we have any security breach, they have always come to the rescue before any other security organization,” the Regent explained.
However, the beneficiaries who consist of both old an young expressed satisfaction.
Mrs Omotunde Amoke, an octogenarian, couldn’t hide her joy and contentment with the quality of the palliatives she got. She thanked them for the gesture.
To Mrs Foluke Afolabi, she prayed that the Almighty God would see members of the armed forces through wars and become victorious over Boko Haram insurgents and in other operations they are currently engaged in.
“This gift from the army today is fantastic and I commend their efforts. God will form a shield around them at various war fronts and they will come out victorious against Boko Haram.”
In his closing remarks, the Asojuwoba of Onigbongbo, Hon. Gani Sadik thanked the army for its giant strides and other efforts they have always made for remembering their host in times of need.
