Kwara community welcomes new army battalion

Traditional rulers, local government officials and residents of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday hailed President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the establishment of a new Army battalion in Omu-Aran, saying the intervention would boost security in Kwara South and the state at large.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony for the troops, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, said the traditional rulers and people of the community were pleased with the establishment of the Army battalion in Omu-Aran under the command of Lt.-Col. Kehinde Avoseh.

“I want to assure you that our support, especially in terms of the welfare of the battalion, will be 100 per cent, by the grace of God. You will enjoy your stay in Omu-Aran,” the Olomu said.

“We are together by the grace of God. The Lord who has brought us together has done so in peace, and we pray that this development will continue to bring blessings, security and progress to our communities.”

Oba Adeoti also expressed appreciation to the military authorities for ensuring that the location of the battalion was not changed.

The ceremony was attended by an array of traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Alara of Aran-Orin, Alaran of Arandun and Oloko of Oko-Irese, among others.

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Abdulazeez Yakub, expressed appreciation to the Federal and Kwara State governments for the establishment of the battalion.

Yakub assured the Nigerian Army of the council’s full cooperation and support in the discharge of its duties.

On behalf of the people of Irepodun Local Government, I assure you of our full cooperation and support as you carry out your duties,” he said.

Also speaking, the President of Omu-Aran Development Association, Prince Niyi Adeyeye, said the deployment of an Army battalion to Omu-Aran would restore peace and security in the community and Kwara South.

Adeyeye commended security agencies, local vigilantes and community security volunteers for their courage, dedication and sacrifices in protecting the communities.

Also speaking, a community leader and retired General, Lasisi Abidoye, acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq towards the establishment of the new battalion and assured officers and men of the Army deployed to Omu-Aran of maximum support in carrying out their duties.

Speaking earlier, the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Rume, expressed appreciation to the people of Omu-Aran for the warm reception accorded the officers and soldiers.

He said the deployment was part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity across the country.

Rume thanked residents of the Omu-Aran axis for their support for the Army.