The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi OluyedeThursday commissioned and handed over a block of classrooms at Okelerin Baptist Basic School in Ogbomoso North local government area of Oyo state. The block of classrooms consists of three classrooms, two staff rooms, teachers and pupils’ furniture, perimeter fence and drilling of borehole.
The project is executed by Major General Akinniyi Oladapo Oyelade, Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, in commemoration of his attaining the enviable rank of Major General.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Mechanized Division, Ibadan, Major General Obinna G. Onubogu, said the exercise was conducted under the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects.
He disclosed such projects spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria are aimed at providing succour to the communities of the Nigerian Army officers, who, through their dedicated service to the nation, have risen to the prestigious rank of Major General.
Oluyede described Ogbomoso as a city of warriors while noting Maj. Gen Oyelade had distinguished himself in the army just as he emphasized that the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects are designed to foster partnership with communities and enhance collaborative efforts towards greater security of the nation.
“I’m delighted to be in Ogbomoso today, an ancient city known for its military prowess that had produced warriors in defence of Yoruba cultural land. We are here in respect of one of many Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects. It is in honour of one of your sons, Major General Dapo Akinniyi Oyelade, a worthy ambassador of Ogbomoso.
“This ceremony also provides the Nigerian Army an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and advance community development for the good people of Apake (Ogbomoso) through the provision of impactful projects designed for the collective good of the community.”
He emphasized the crucial role of the civil society in tackling security menace and securing the society maintaining this is the basis of the collaborative efforts the army constantly seeks.
“As an army we recognize the critical role of the people as indispensable partners in progress particularly in a complex operating environment and the requirement for a whole of society approach to tackling security concerns, This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations as it focuses on fostering genuine partnership and collaboration with the public.
“Accordingly, the project remains a cornerstone of our efforts to foster public support, enhance cooperation and sustain harmony between the Nigerian Army and the civil public. It is worth emphasizing that the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects have contributed significantly to the development of communities identified to senior officers of the Nigerian Army who through their exemplary selfless service have risen to the prestigious rank of Major General.”
He mentioned some of the projects that had been executed through the scheme to include rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories and roads, as well as provision of power through solar lighting systems, boreholes and other ICT facilities.
classrooms and staff room areas, lack of appropriate desks and chairs, absence of a clean water source and a dilapidated perimeter fence exposing these children to possible security challenges. Those findings highlighted, urgently needed an intervention to improve the learning environment and ensure the safety of all students. The renovation efforts thus reflect the dedication of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen, O.O. Oluyede, who has empowered me to undertake this lofty project, thereby forcing an environment whereby every child has the opportunity to learn and excel.”
Informing the project started in September 2024 and got completed in December, he enthused, “It is with pride and happiness that I present this remodelled and renovated project which comprises a block of three classrooms including 2 staff rooms, a completed dilapidated perimeter fence, a borehole and donated desks and chairs for staff and students of the school.”
He also said, “I’m indeed most humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve my immediate community and it gladdens my heart today, that it makes me stand tall to be recognized as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian Army in my community. I am indeed grateful to the Chief of Army Staff for this unique opportunity to make my dream come true.”
Aale of Okelerin Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao II, said the project gave him immense joy being a school located in his community. “This is my school. I am the happiest. Though I didn’t attend the school, it is an opportunity” while charging other alumni to contribute to revamping the school,” he told ogbomosoinsightonline.com in a chat after the event.
Oyelade also in an interview informing he attended the school, assured “We will continue to do whatever we can to add value to our society.
The Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye was represented at the event by the Ikolaba and Abese, High Chiefs David Ojo and Yusuf Kasali Oladipupo.
Some other dignitaries are Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo state Commissioner for Information and Public Orientation; Hon Segun Odebunmi, immediate past lawmaker, who represented Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa federal constituency; the Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu represented by Rev’d Dr. Paul Oyedele Oyedokun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ogbomoso zone 1; Rev’d Dr. Segun Oyelowo, pastor of First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, who said the opening prayer; and the parents of Maj. Gen. Oyelade, Prince and Mrs. Oyelade, parents among others.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi OluyedeThursday commissioned and handed over a block of classrooms at Okelerin Baptist Basic School in Ogbomoso North local government area of Oyo state. pic.twitter.com/8i6AYDWAVe
— Star Potter (@Starpotternews) March 1, 2025
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— Star Potter (@Starpotternews) March 1, 2025
