MILITARY-CIVIL AFFAIRS INTERVENTION: BAPTIST GRAMMAR SCHOOL IBADAN BENEFITS (Photorama)

It was all pomp and pageantry at Baptist Grammar School, Idi Ishin, Ibadan on Wednesday 26^th June 2024. Residents of Lasokun, where the school is located, woke up to heavy military presence and movement only to find out they were all heading to Baptist Grammar School.

The occasion was the commissioning of a newly renovated block of six classrooms and a cafeteria which was part of the Army Headquarters department of Civil -Military Affairs intervention.

Speaking at the Baptist Grammar School Idi-Ishin Ibadan, during the official commissioning of the renovated and well equipped block of classrooms and the newly constructed cafeteria constructed by the Army Headquarters department of Civil -Military Affairs, The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Nigerian Army in order to achieve its constitutional duties. He also noted that the Nigerian Army’s constitutional roles require collective responsibilities of all and sundry.

The Chief of Army Staff who was ably represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Barack, Ojoo Cantonment, Ibadan, Major General Obinna Onubogu noted that the project is one of the Chief Of Army Staff special intervention projects, stressing that the project is a civil military corporation project that was executed by Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele.

General Lagbaja in his words said, “The commissioning of these special projects affords me the opportunity to reiterate Nigeria Army’s resolve towards addressing the security challenges facing our dear country. Through non -kinetic lines of operation, Nigerian Army under my leadership has enjoyed high level of cooperation and goodwill from the civil populace across our great nation and indeed, from the peace loving people of Ibadan.”

“I also want to state that the people of Oyo State have always partnered with Nigeria army towards achieving a secured and peaceful nation. The projects executed by the Nigerian Army are geared towards complimenting the already existing basic service amenities and infrastructure provided by the government and other responsible non-governmental organizations and individuals in this communities.

Some of the projects executed by the Nigerian Army across the country so far include construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, construction of roads and community town halls, sinking of boreholes as well as provision of computers and other ICT facilities among many others.”

“The execution of this special project is a deliberate act towards ensuring that Nigerian Army gives back to the society as well as improve the well-being of communities across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.The projects are also in line with my command philosophy to transform Nigeria army into a well trained equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

“I am delighted to have commissioned the project executed in Baptist Grammar School, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan today, which includes renovation and furnishing of a block of six classrooms and a construction of a cafeteria for the school. It is gratifying to note that this projects will improve and provide a conducive environment to train the youths in Ibadan and it’s environs as well as provide them the opportunity for a better future.”

“I want to express my appreciation to Major Gen. Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele and the management of Baptist Grammar school for identifying and executing this laudable project. I want to urge you all to take ownership of the project and maintain it so as to derive maximum benefits from it. Members of the association who wants to contribute to the school are also free to do so.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs who was ably represented by Major General Mathias Erebulu said, “Major General Soyele who is currently the Chief of Defense standard and evaluation has served in the Nigerian Army in various capacity receiving accolades and commendation for his outstanding service.”

“He has contributed immensely to the successes recorded by Nigerian Army in operations both within and outside the shores of the country.”

“He has led men to accomplish remarkable victories in various battles and the Nigerian Army is proud of him as a worthy ambassador.” He said.

The state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde who was ably represented by the state commissioner for education, Prof Salihu Adelabu commended the Nigerian Army for the gesture. He noted that the Nigerian Army has been a major stakeholder in the education sector in the state.”

He further stressed that Nigerian Army has been complimenting the state’s government efforts in creating a conducive learning environment for students in the state, noting that well-meaning Nigerians must start emulating the kind gesture of Nigerian Army by supporting the government in creating a conducive learning environment for our students; government alone cannot do it, it is a collective responsibilities of all.

Highlights of the event included cultural displays by the students of the school, presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries at the event, among others.

Dignitaries at the event included, the Chief of Defence Staff who was ably represented by Major General Gabriel Ochigbano, Professor Isaac Albert of History/Peace and Conflict Studies University of Ibadan, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives from other sister agencies, old students association of Baptist Grammar School, teachers among others.

The Chairman of Ibadan Chapter of the Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan Association, Mrs Yemisi Kupoluyi in her own goodwill message congratulated students and staff of the school because a great opportunity like this doesn’t come everyday. She implored them to make proper use of the facilities and imbibe a maintenance culture,which is a way of appreciating the military who provided the facilities.

In his own words, the publisher of this magazine, Ogbeni Femi Ladapo, who incidentally is an old student of the school, said the old students feel so honoured to host so many Army Generals in the school, all gathered for the one purpose of good military-civil relationship through school intervention.  On a lighter mood, he said "I had not seen such number of Generals at the same time in the same place before, until today."

Professor Ayodeji Agbonjinmi, A university don and professor of law, who is also a pioneer old student and former teacher, emphasized the need for discipline and maintenance of school properties. He also thanked the Nigeria Arny for the Project.  He gave kudos to the executor of the project, Major General Lekan Soyele.

The National Vice President of the Association, Deaconess Omolara Thomas, also thanked the army and the officers involved in planning and execution of the project. She enjoined other well-meaning people of means to emulate the Nigeria Army in contributing to the future of our children and generations yet unborn.