Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has commended the contributions of Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi towards the realisation of the Nigerian Army water project at Abakpa Cantonment of the 82 Division, Enugu.
Lt Gen. Buratai made the commendation at the commissioning of the water project – “82 Division Urban Water Treatment Plant,” which was performed by Ugwuanyi in company of the GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Adamu Abubakar and other top military officers.
Other dignitaries at the event were Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Prince Arthur Eze, among others.
He noted that Ugwuanyi, in his magnanimity and display of uncommon leadership style had paid a surprise visit to the site during the construction stage and promised to provide a transformer which he said had been installed and equally made available other donations that were utilised judiciously for the completion of the project.
Buratai also appreciated Ugwuanyi for undertaking to asphalt the road leading to the water plant, saying: “We must express our deep appreciation to you, Your Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for tremendous support.”
The army chief applauded the governor for the peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State as well as “the peaceful co-existence between the Nigerian Army, the government and people of Enugu State.” He pointed out that the state is strategically important to the South East region, considering its political and historical antecedents.
While commending those who contributed to the realisation of the project, he assured that “the Nigerian Army will remain responsive, apolitical and professional.”
Earlier in his speech, Abubakar, also appreciated Ugwuanyi’s efforts towards the successful completion of the water project and his promise to asphalt the road to the plant.
The GOC explained that the idea of the project was conceived by the Nigerian Army as a result of water shortage in the barracks for more than 20 years and the need to find a lasting solution to the problem. He disclosed that the water plant which was constructed in 93 days produces one million litres of water per day and has been certified safe for consumption by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
While equally appreciating the contributions of others who made the dream come true, such as personnel of the Nigerian Army Engineering Unit and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the GOC stated that the NYSC camp in Awgu Local Government Area of the state will benefit from the scheme as part of the Army’s corporate social responsibility.
In his address, Governor Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the completion of the water project as “a welcome complement to the determined efforts of the Enugu State Government to provide regular supply of potable water to all parts of the state.”
The governor commended the Nigerian Army for the initiative which he said will help in no small measure, to improve water supply in the barracks and its environs, and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, the GOC 82 Division and all the officers and men of the Division for the support and cooperation they have continued to offer his administration especially, in the area of security.
“Enugu City has also expanded and continues to do so in terms of size and population beyond the capacity originally contemplated by the Enugu Urban Water Supply Scheme and as a consequence, the scheme currently requires urgent and substantial upgrade to meet with the contemporary realities.
“We therefore hope to identify areas of possible cooperation and collaboration with the Nigerian Army in this area including the replication of the technology and expertise employed to execute this project, in the exploitation of water resources in the state for the benefit of all residents”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.