Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has donated no fewer than 250 books and other writing materials to Community Secondary School, Imileke-Uno in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Division also engaged the students on public speaking on national security and defence.
Declaring the school outreach engagement open yesterday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, said that the engagement was in commemoration of the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) marking the 161 years anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
The GOC, who was represented by the Director 82 Division Educational Services, Col. Samuel Abalaka, thanked the Principal and Staff of the school for affording the Nigerian Army the opportunity of making use of the school and talking to the students.
He, thereafter, encouraged the students to always act responsibly, be patriotic and be good ambassadors of their school and country.
During the event, a 20 minutes video clip on the activities of the Nigerian Army was played to the students which was followed by a brief talk and interactive session between the students and senior officers.
In her vote of thanks, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ngozi Nwodo, appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Army in sensitising the students on its activities and prospects in joining “the prestigious Nigerian Army.”
Nwodo also thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt,-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his kind gesture of the donation of books and writing materials to the students.
Speaking, the Senior Prefect of the School, Master Nathaniel Ugwuanyi, appreciated the Nigerian Army for the free books and writing material given to the students.
Ugwuanyi lauded the army officers for enlightening the students on the prospects and benefits of joining the Nigerian Army and protecting the internal security and territorial integrity of the country.
“I have learnt of the numerous roles, services and humanitarian gestures of the Nigerian Army as well as that they have qualified professionals in various fields of human endeavours that are serving the country with patriotism and commitment.
“The officers also taught us (students) on benefits of being patriotic, selfless and contributing one’s quota to the peace, progress and development of the country through joining the Nigerian Army and imbibing its discipline,” Ugwuanyi said.
The highlights of the events were the presentation of the branded NADCEL books and other writing materials to the students, souvenir to the principal and a group photograph.