The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has rounded off a three-day operational tour of formations under the 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), during which he inaugurated a series of signature projects executed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, and his subordinate commanders.
During the visit to Port Harcourt Barracks, General Oluyede commissioned the Headquarters 6 Division Office Complex Extension and the Python Harmony Centre. He also inaugurated a host of projects completed under the 6 Division Garrison led by Brigadier General S. Ahmed, including two blocks of 10-family Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQs), seven remodeled CBQs, a remodeled Cantonment Office, and a new Petroleum Oil Lubricant Point. At 29 Battalion, he opened a remodeled Quarter Guard and additional CBQ blocks.
In Bayelsa State, the COAS commissioned the newly constructed 16 Brigade Annex Complex, a landmark project executed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo. He also inaugurated an electrification project undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its corporate social responsibility, a new Garrison House built by Lieutenant Colonel Sheriff Kaigama, as well as remodeled facilities at 5 Battalion and 343 Artillery Regiment. He further flagged off the construction of 20 units of two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers at Elele Barracks.
The tour also featured an inspection of the newly upgraded Medical Reception Station at Wellington Barracks and the fully renovated facility at Ibagwa Barracks, Akwa Ibom State.
As part of his strategic leadership and civil–military engagement drive, General Oluyede paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, at Government House, Uyo. He emphasized that the Army belongs to all Nigerians and praised the state for its unwavering support to the NA, which he said has contributed to Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the federation.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, lauded the Nigerian Army’s contributions to peace and development in the state, commending the sustained partnership through 2 Brigade, under Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi. He pledged continued collaboration with the NA to ensure lasting peace and stability.
The COAS addressed troops at 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt, and 6 Battalion Parade Ground, Ibagwa, Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom. He applauded their resilience and dedication to the ongoing fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, reassuring them that troop welfare remains central to his “Soldier First” agenda.
By Folake Sokoya