Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Thursday handed over newly completed residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army’s 16 Brigade in Elebele.
The governor presented the property when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, led other senior military officers on a courtesy and condolence visit to the Government House in Yenagoa.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri thanked Shaibu for recognising the state government’s modest contribution to improving the safety of lives and property.
He also commended the various security agencies for displaying a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The governor urged the Nigerian Army to sustain its commitment to security and pledged continued support to ensure a conducive environment for personnel to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
“I would like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for your efforts in ensuring that Nigeria remains safe and secure. We in government appreciate and understand the sacrifices you make for public safety,” he said.
Diri added that he was pleased the state government was able to initiate and complete the housing project, noting that it would ease the accommodation needs of officers of the 16 Brigade.
Responding, Shaibu commended Diri and praised the Bayelsa State Government for constructing and handing over the residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army at Elebele. He said the initiative would significantly reduce the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
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The army chief explained that he was in the state on his maiden operational visit to assess the combat readiness of officers and soldiers under the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which covers Bayelsa State.
Shaibu also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family over the passing of the deputy governor’s father, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My visit here is two-fold. First, it is my maiden operational visit to the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which includes Bayelsa State. Secondly, I am here to express my gratitude and appreciation for the construction and completion of apartments for the 16 Brigade,” he said.
He explained that the project comprised nine units of three-bedroom flats and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers, adding that the gesture would go a long way in alleviating the brigade’s accommodation difficulties.
“It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army,” Shaibu said.
