As part of the activities marking the 2021 Armed Forces Rememberance Day, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has presented two brand new four bedroom bungalows to the Nigerian Army and the Police as official residence for the respective Heads of both the Army and Police formations in the Obingwa area of Abia State.
The Governor, while handing over the keys said his administration places top premium on the provision of security as a key enabler for development in the State, disclosing that the huge investments made in supporting security agencies in the state are deliberate steps aimed at boosting the morale of the officers and optimizing their operational efficiency.
According to him, provision of decent accommodation was a key factor in ensuring that the security men carry out their legitimate duties effectively, especially when such accommodations are located within their areas of operation.
Ikpeazu, who was full of praises for the security agencies in the State for ensuring that peace and safety have become part of life here, noted that we do not have to wait till our soldiers and police officers die before honoring the great work they do in keeping us safe and made it clear that his administration will continue to provide support to the security agencies.
The State Chief Executive said the two houses would serve as official residences of the Commander of the Army Squad at Ohanze and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Eastern Ngwa Police Division at Umuobiakwa.
He noted that the two security formations play very critical roles in ensuring the security of lives and properties of the people of Obingwa and its environs, and as such were truly deserving of the gestures.
The Governor noted in particular that the Eastern Ngwa Police Divisional headquarters has been at Umuobiakwa for close to three and a half decades with no official residence for the DPO who most times comes to work from outside the area.
He challenged the Security Chiefs to make adequate use of the buildings, reminding them that they have a responsibility to protect and manage it well for both their use and that of for their successors.
Responding, the Brigade Commder of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Ohafia, Brigadier General SB Kumapayi expressed gratitude on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff to the Governor for his show of support for the operations of the Army in the area.
Kumapayi, who noted that the Governor has constantly supported the Army in their work across the State, pointed out that this latest support will ginger the officers into greater action.
He assured the Governor that the officers will redouble their efforts in ensuring that peace, security and tranquility continue to reign in the State and warned criminals to steer clear of the State as the officers and men of the Army are combat ready.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede reechoed the words of the Army Brigade Commander and thanked the Governor on behalf of the Inspector General of Police for his consistent support to the Police in the State. He assured the Governor that the official residence will be well taken care of.
