Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been commended by the Nigerian Army for his innovative leadership and contribution to the development of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST).
The Governor received the commendation, during a courtesy visit by the school’s Commandant, Brig. Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, on Tuesday February 13 2024, at Edo State Government House, Benin City.
In his remarks, the Governor expressed delight over the improved relationship between the Nigerian Army and Edo State Government since the advent of his administration, while soliciting the support of the Army School in areas such as professional driving and firefighting.
He said: “I am glad that under my watch, we have been able to improve the relationship between the Nigerian Army and Edo State Government, such that today, we have two Forward Operating Bases that were approved by the military hierarchy in Ehor and Sobe. We also want to thank you for the operations that you have carried out like Operation Still Waters. You have helped to provide comfort and assurances to our citizens, that whatever threat we perceive could be adequately dealt with.”
Obaseki further solicited the Army’s support in offering training to drivers within the state government’s system and improving its firefighting services.
The Governor said: “We have made enquiries on how you can assist us in some of the services you currently offer, particularly in training our drivers. As you may know, we now have a transportation core in government, where our transportation needs are now centralized under an arrangement with a partner. So, our drivers need to be trained professionally, given security exposures in defensive driving, and we believe that you can be of help to us there.
“We are also expanding our own firefighting capability as a state. We have received assistance from the federal government. I believe they can be permanent, because we need to build on our internal capacity. So, this is another area that the Commissioner for Public Safety will be approaching you on, to see how we can collaborate and get assistance from you in building these capacities within government.”
“I want to assure you that, because we appreciate what you are doing for us, we are always going to be your partner, and a very good host to you. We know that there were some challenges with the communities around your location, and I have instructed political leadership around the areas to ensure that whatever the issues, it should be amicably resolved”, the Governor assured.
On his part, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Brig. Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, commended the Governor for his innovative and transformative leadership, and for the state’s contribution to the school’s development, including the construction of a students officers’ hostel, while assuring continuous security support for the state.
He said: “We actively participate in the internal security architecture of Edo State. My officers and soldiers are deployed in collaboration with 4 Brigade and other security agencies in Operation Wabaizigan, and we contribute in some measures. That is why we see that Edo State is relatively peaceful. This is also to show the kind of leadership you exhibit in holding the affairs and security of the state.
“We are here today just to inform you that we are part and parcel of the state. We remain your tenant, and we continue to enjoy the peaceful nature; and just to let you know that we are available at any time to support in no small measure, as you may want us to do.”
Also present at the visit were; Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Chief Security Officer, Edo State Government House, Williams Waba; amongst others.
