The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General O. A. Fadairo, has paid what he described as a “Royal Visit” to the palace of the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) E. C. Okeke, CFR.
The GOC was accompanied by a large military contingent, including the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General I. M. Abbas, as well as senior officers from the Nigerian Navy and Air Force.
The visit, which is Major General Fadairo’s first official courtesy call on the Chairman of the Imo Traditional Institution, also had in attendance all 27 Chairmen of the Local Government Councils of Traditional Rulers in the state.
In his remarks, HRM Eze (Dr.) E. C. Okeke—who also serves as Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council—expressed deep appreciation to the GOC for choosing to visit the Eastern Heartland to interface with the region’s royal fathers, whom he described as the custodians of culture and tradition at the grassroots.
Eze Okeke used the occasion to shower encomiums on Brigadier General I. M. Abbas, the Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, praising him as “a fine gentleman with thorough military background and experience.”
He stated: “We welcome the entourage of the Nigerian Army led by the GOC, Major General Fadairo, who is here in company of our own son, the Commander of the Obinze Barracks. We thank you for coming to visit us as Traditional Rulers. There is no kernetic measure or approach that have yielded fruitful and positive result
The initiative by the military to strengthen relationships with the civil populace, especially Traditional Rulers, is commendable. It will help enhance lasting peace in our communities.
It is our plea that even when the Brigade Commander is promoted, he should be retained here with us. He is an exceptional, well-packaged professional officer with admirable human relations. He came, saw, and conquered. We are happy to work with him.” The royal father prayed for God’s blessings on the military leadership and assured them of continued cooperation.
Responding, Major General Fadairo expressed sincere appreciation for the warm reception: “I am highly honoured. This is a privilege I do not take for granted, especially because of the number of Royal Majesties who came out to receive us. It shows that we have an Army that is people-centric and committed to the peace of Imo State.”
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is committed to strengthening security across the South-East and called on Traditional Rulers to continue providing actionable intelligence that will help rid communities of criminal elements. “The Army is not against the good people of the South-East; we are only against criminals. We need your cooperation and support. We are co-pilots in this plane, and we cannot do it alone.”
The GOC assured the royal fathers of regular visits to Imo State and emphasized that military formations across the region remain open to community leaders. “Please see us as part of your constituencies and as your children. We are one happy family and one Nigeria.”
Top among Traditional Rulers at the occasion are; His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr. Thomas A. O. Obiefule, MFR, Deputy Chairman, Imo State Council for Traditional Rulers, Chairman, Orlu Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, and Traditional Ruler, Umudioka Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Eze (Evang.) Iheanacho Ndukwe, Deputy Chairman, Imo State Council for Traditional Rulers, Chairman, Okigwe Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, and Traditional Ruler, Amapu Ihube Ancient Kingdom and His Royal Majesty Eze (Engr.) Fredrick Nwachukwu, KSC, Deputy Chairman, Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers and Traditional Ruler of Ngor Ancient Kingdom, and Chairman, Ngor Okpala LGA Traditional Ruling Council. The visit ended with a ceremonial group photograph involving the GOC, his entourage, and the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers at Obi Ndieze, Mbari.
Meanwhile members of the military command who accompanied the GOC included officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force attached to the 82 Division operational command structure.
Report By Fredrick Njoku