As part of the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Project, the COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, has commissioned a solar-powered, well-furnished 30-seater computer laboratory with high speed internet access at Agunbiade Victory High School, Magbon, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his remarks at the commissioning ceremony, the COAS emphasized that the project was both timely and consequential, as it will improve access to digital learning resources for students of Agunbiade Victory Memorial High School and other beneficiaries within Magbon and adjoining communities.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi Acting Deputy Director Army Public relations, 81 division Nigerian Army said the COAS, who was represented at the occasion by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, noted that the facility would provide a functional and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and innovation, while enhancing computer literacy and digital skills.
He added that his expectation was for the value of the intervention to transcend the physical transformation of the facility, to enable knowledge sharing, create opportunities and give birth to a more informed, productive and technologically empowered community.
Lieutenant General W Shaibu urged the people of Magbon and all beneficiaries to take collective ownership of the facility and ensure that it is properly protected, utilized and preserved for future generations. He charged the community, the management of the benefiting institution and relevant authorities to establish suitable arrangements for its routine maintenance, security and continued functionality.
Earlier while speaking, the Project Benefactor and in who’s honour the project was initiated, Major General Ismail Dapo Oloyede, said his heart was full with profound gratitude to God and the Chief of Army Staff, whom brought to light, an ambition he has long held in his heart; a desire to give back to his almameter. He described his school as the very place he received guidance and discipline that contributed immensely to whom he has become today. He expressed the hope that the project would serve as a platform for learning, innovation, creativity and development.
In his remarks, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army) Major General Mohammed Etsu Indagi, described the project as a way the Nigerian Army connects directly with communities. He explained that the COAS CIMIC Special Intervention Project was a dedicated project designed to be executed in honour of senior military officers usually of the rank of Major Generals in commemoration of their service to the nation and in appreciation of communities that produced such senior military officers. Projects executed under the scheme include but not limited to interventions in health care, provision of portable water, construction and renovation of schools, roads, bridges, etc.
The COAS special intervention which comprised a fully furnished 30 seater computer laboratory, powered by a robust solar energy system and equipped with high speed internet, designed to provide students with opportunities to acquire computer skills, access digital educational resources, conduct research and develop the technological confidence to compete in a changing world. The solar powered component intended to provide a dependable source of power supply equally heralds the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
In a goodwill message at the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, expressed joy at the way corporate bodies, individuals and old students are revitalizing education in the state. He explained that the donation of 30 sets of computers, powered by solar with internet facilities, is a deliberate effort to ensure that the school is not left behind in the scheme of things.
The event was graced by serving and retired senior military officers, officials from the State Ministry of Education, traditional rulers, members of the Old Students Association, as well as staff and students of the school.
Highlights of the occasion were goodwill messages, cultural displays by the students, commissioning and unveiling of a commemorative plaque and group photographs.
