By Nelson Agbajor
As part of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation activities for the ongoing Exercise STILL WATERS across designated formations and units in the country, the 19 Battalion (Rear) of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Koko in Delta State recently gave out educational materials to pupils of some public primary schools in the state.
The schools include Abeke Primary School in Sapele Local Government Area and Mosogar Primary School in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
The Commanding Officer (CO) of 19 Battalion (Rear), Major JO Ajongbo said the educational materials aim to improve the learning of the pupils particularly the ones of less privileged parents towards equipping them as future leaders.
Ajongbo noted that in addition to securing the nation and ensuring a crime-free society, the military is also interested in contributing to the growth and development of the society especially in the areas such as education and health which aim at strengthening Civil-Military cooperation.
While delivering a pep talk before the distribution of notebooks, pencils and other educational materials, Ajongbo enjoined the benefitting pupils of Abeke and Mosogar Primary Schools to be serious with their studies.
He added that as leaders of tomorrow, the pupils should be responsible citizens, good ambassadors of Nigeria and stay away from criminal activities.
Responding, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government, who was represented by the Education Secretary, Pastor Dave Inoaghan thanked 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army for the gesture, noting that it was the first of its kind since he assumed office.
It would be recalled that Exercise STILL WATERS was flagged off at Asaba, the Delta State capital on 4th October and would continue till 24th December 2021, to checkmate criminal activities and build the confidence of citizens as the yuletide season approaches.
This year’s exercise will incorporate the conduct of kinetic operations to project forces to flashpoints/criminal hideouts
Other activities in furtherance of civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) include the conduct of environmental sanitation, visits to orphanages, medical outreach amongst others.