General Lagbaja Commissions Civic Centre At Amaeke Item As He Bags Duke Namba 1 Of Amaeke Item 

In winning the hearts and minds of the populace, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, ably represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, on Friday 11th August, 2023, commissioned a remodelled Civic Center in Amaeke Item of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Special Guest of Honour, stated that this gesture is one among numerous projects executed as part of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Special Intervention Projects across the nation. Adding that it is one among others and urge the populace to make judicious use of the Civic Center.

The initiator of the project, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Gold Chibuisi appreciate COAS for the gesture, laudable initiative and the opportunity given to his ancestral home in benefiting from the Nigerian Army CIMIC project. He disclosed that the Army is one amongst best organization, reassure the good and loving people of Amaeke Item that the Army is an organization to reckon with anytime anywhere.

Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Chukwu Rtd plead with the SGoH to establish a military presence in their ancestral home where the West African Frontier Force established a Base before the civil war and some of the facilities still exist in Amaeke Item till date. Adding that the establishment of Command Secondary School will also pave way for their children to feel the sense of belonging to the military family.

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander Uba MacDonald Rtd., thanked COAS for the laudable project in Abia State, disclosing that the Army has interface with the citizens of Amaeke Item historically and appreciate the initiator for this gigantic edifice that will serve the good and hospitable people of Amaeke Item. Stating that the government under the watch of Dr Alex Otti will ensure the entire Abians smile.

The Taraba State government representative Dr Jeji Williams revealed that the relationship between Amaeke Item and the people of Taraba State is cordial, harmonious, assuring them that the relationship will be sustained.

Some personalities were conferred with chieftaincy title for their tremendous assistance to the community. Some of these include, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja conferred with Dike Namba 1 of Amaeke Item (A warrior in another man’s land), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya as Dike Di Ohanma of Amaeke Item (A warrior loved by all), Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika as Obatta Obie 1 of Amaeke Item (person whose presence brings peace and tranquility) and Ebube Dike 1 (Glory of a warrior) of Amaeke Item was conferred on Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Chukwu Rtd.

It was a beehive of activities as sons and daughters of Amaeke Item graced the occasion with their rich cultural heritage presented to the admiration of non Amaeke Item people.

The colourful event had commissioning of the remodelled Amaeke Item Civic Center, tour of facility, group photographs.

Dignitaries that grace the occasion included the Chief Civil Military Cooperation Major General NC Ogbu, Commander 14 Brigade Brigadier General Nsikak Edet, Chairperson 82 Division Nigerian Army Officers’Wives Association (NAOWA) Mrs Nafeesat Dada, Mrs Joy Chubuisi, very senior officers from 82 Division Nigerian Army serving and retired, members of NAOWA, distinguished guests, friends and well wisher of Amaeke Item community.