The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (NAM), on Friday, 1 August 2025, commissioned an industrial borehole in Umukabi Village, Ohodo Community, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. The project, which is equipped with state-of-the-art water storage tanks, a 30KVA soundproof generator, solar lights and surveillance cameras, is part of the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects executed in honour of Major General Patrick Ikechukwu Eze (rtd).

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the COAS, who was ably represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, expressed delight in officially handing over the completed project to the peace-loving people of Ohodo Community. He commended Major General Patrick Eze (rtd) for identifying the essential needs of the community and executing the project to address those needs.

The GOC reiterated that the Nigerian Army’s collaborative approach with beneficiary communities, conceptualizing, designing and constructing such a project ensures strong local involvement and encourages community ownership, which is crucial for effective management and sustainability. Major General Olatoye further stated that such initiatives significantly contribute to the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic efforts in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Earlier, the project facilitator, Major General Patrick Eze (rtd), expressed deep appreciation to the COAS for his magnanimity and support, which led to the successful completion of the project. The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General GU Chibuisi, also thanked the COAS for sponsoring the project, assuring that it would positively impact the lives of the people of Ohodo Community. He added that, as part of efforts to achieve national security objectives, the Nigerian Army actively fosters collaboration and strengthens relations with the civilian populace through several CIMIC initiatives, including quick-impact projects aimed at improving living conditions within local communities. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance to justify the significant investment made.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, represented by Honourable Eric Odo and the Traditional Rulers of the 3 Autonomous Communities. Igwe Hycient Eze, speaking on behalf of the entire Ohodo Community, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the kind gesture and pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining the facilities provided by the Army.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries, distribution of food items to widows, notebooks to Igwebuike Basic School and group photographs, amongst other activities.

OLALEKAN OLABISI AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
82 Division Nigerian Army
3 August 2025