Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the cooperation of the Nigerian Army with the state government contributes to the security enjoyed by the people.
Makinde made this submission on Tuesday while receiving the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who paid a courtesy visit to his office at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor, who commended the Army for their professionalism, promised that his government would sustain a cordial relationship with the military outfit.
“The level of professionalism displayed by the army officers on duty during the 2019 governorship election can not be over-emphasised.
“I couldn’t have become the governor if not for the professionalism of the Nigerian Army; I also wouldn’t have been reelected if they had been partial.
“I am thankful to the Nigerian Army, especially the 2nd Div. in Ibadan,” he said.
The governor congratulated the new Chief of Army Staff on his elevation, as well as the troops on the occasion of the Army’s 160th anniversary celebration slated for Ibadan.
He thanked the leadership of the outfit for celebrating the anniversary in Oyo State and urged them not to limit the activities to the barracks alone.
“We are glad that you brought the celebration to Ibadan. In South-West Nigeria, Oyo State actually is the biggest in terms of land mass.
“We will play our part and contribute to the activities of the Nigerian Army in the state and deepen the cooperation for mutually beneficial activities.
“The present situation and hike in fuel price are affecting our economy; if your teams are to be on full patrol, you know what the cost of petrol will be.
“But we encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army and senior officers not to be discouraged but to be focused,” the governor stated.
Earlier, Lagbaja said the visit became imperative for the Nigerian Army to intimate the governor of its 160th anniversary holding in the state.
He pledged to partner with the Oyo State government to further ensure peace and stability in the state and beyond.
He equally commended the governor for various interventions and support accorded the troops deployed across the length and breadth of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Oyo State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya were present.
The Director-General, Operation Burst, Ajibola Oladipo, was also in attendance.(NAN)
