The Nigerian Army says it will continue to prioritize the security of Nigerians, just as it renamed its 146 Battalion Base in Bonny, Rivers State, saying it will henceforth be called the Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya Camp.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam said this on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 during the renaming of its 146 Battalion Base in Bonny.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to ensure that there is security. We are the Nigerian Army, and we will work with the Nigerian people for the safety of Nigerians and for the security and protection of Nigeria.”
Maj. Gen. Abdussalam, who is also the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, praised the Commanding Officer of the 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Habeeb Mbe for the various projects developed under his watch.
He noted that Lt. Col. Mbe’s strides align with the developmental vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, which he said is anchored on sound administration, asserting that the CO has initiated projects that have created an enabling environment for troops to perform their responsibilities optimally in the most efficient manner.
“I want to commend the Commanding Officer of the 146 for these projects we have commissioned. As I said earlier, he has keyed into the vision of the Chief of Army Staff and he will continue to do better.”
The GOC reiterated that, the renaming of the Camp to Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya Camp, was based on Army Headquarters approval done in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff to the Nigerian Army and fatherland, which he said is commendable.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of the 146 Battalion, Lt. Col. Habeeb Mbe had informed the GOC, 6 Division that the projects were executed for the benefit of troops and mankind.
He averred that the battalion shall continue to uphold the COAS Command Philosophy, which is “To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities”.
He thanked the GOC for the strategic guidance that brought the projects to fruition, adding that he remains eternally grateful for the GOC’s unwavering support to the battalion, saying this has translated into the several projects commissioned in the battalion.
The event witnessed the unveiling of the new name of the Camp, commissioning of the Commanding Officer’s official residence, officers transit accommodation block, remodelled officers’ mess and twin helipads within the camp. These are in addition to the perimeter fence, remodelled battalion entrance gate, quarter guard, 1.2 kilometres ring road, car park and a mosque earlier commissioned at the Camp.
There were live performances by the Abara International Cultural Troupe, Eremina Ogbo of Finima, NYSC dance group, and Comedian INEC, presentation of souvenirs by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) led by its Chairman, Shedrack Brown, and group photographs, among others.
In attendance were the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, represented by the Chairman, Bonny Chiefs Council (BCC), Se-Alabo (Amb.) Lt. Col. Dagogo Suoala Claude-Wilcox (Rtd.), MON; Chairman, Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Anengi Wilcox, represented by her Vice, Omoni LongJohn; the Amadabo of Finima, Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, represented by Wari-Alabo Amoni Hart; and Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Edet Effiong.
Others were the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Navy, Capt. Reginald Adoki, Local Government Security Officer, Department of State Services, Bonny Division, Ebi Embassy; Divisional Police Officer, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Bonny Division, CSP Dawn Eremie, represented by ASP Nkoyo Ekpenyong; Divisional Officer, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bonny Division, CSC Gbarale Donald; Unit Commander, Federal Safety Corps (FRSC), Daisy Isiofia, represented by Unit Training Officer, Route Commander Chima Anyanwu; and the Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Iwarilama Brown.
Also present were the Leader of Bonny Youths Federation (BYF), Emmanuel Finecountry; Chairman of Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo, Eugene John-Jumbo, Publisher of Ibani Nation Newspaper, Adolf Pepple, the Igbo Community in Bonny, security managers of various companies in Bonny, among other dignitaries.
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