By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has paid a courtesy visit to the executive Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Alausa State House and the Oba of Lagos, Chief Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu respectively on 13th May 2024.
The defense headquarters in a press statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information on 14 May 2024, stated that the visit is part of the CDS operational tour of military formations and to consult with critical stakeholders to seek solutions to the country’s insecurity.
In his remarks at the government house, the CDS applauded the state Governor for all he is doing to improve life in Lagos.
According to General Musa, “Lagos is critical to the nation’s economy and a true reflection of Nigeria”.
He thanked the governor for hosting prince Harry and wife, princess Meghan, while noting that, in consideration of the world’s attention to the visit of the royalty to Nigeria, it became imperative to invite the duo.
The CDS further commended the improved security in Lagos State and thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for allocating about 50 hectares of land to the Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos to improve agriculture.
General Musa also seized the opportunity to brief the Lagos State Governor on his intention to ensure capacity of members of the AFN by venturing into large scale agricultural practice, which he said, will certainly improve human life, adding that this is in line with his philosophy concept, which is people-centred while he also pledged that the AFN will remain fair and committed to all Nigerians.
The CDS further sought the Lagos State government’s support towards building the proposed Invictus Centre to cater for the recovery process of wounded, injured and traumatized serving military personnel and veterans and also thanked the Governor for his remarkable achievements in Lagos.
Responding during the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the military for its steadfastness, saying, “We have witnessed a sharp decline in criminal attacks”.
Governor Sanwo Olu thanked the CDS for working tirelessly for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.
According to him, “the CDS leadership concept is also in line with the state philosophy”.
The governor further added that since the appointment of General Musa as the CDS, the nation has been experiencing peace and a commendable decline in criminal activities while he also expressed his appreciation to all military formations and other security agencies in Lagos for their commitment to ensuring safety of lives and property.
He promised to offer direct support to the military in the State when the need arises.
Furthermore, the Lagos Governor said security architecture is working in Lagos based on General Musa initiatives. He congratulated the CDS’ noble idea of inviting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria, adding that it will boost the mental wellness of wounded soldiers.
According to him, “The government will support the development and construction of the Invictus Centre in Nigeria”.
At the Oba of Lagos palace, the Chief of Defence Staff thanked the traditional ruler for his constant support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and further assured the Oba of the AFN’s resolve to secure Lagos.
On his part, the Oba appreciated the CDS for finding time to visit him.
Oba Akiolu said the commitment of the CDS towards achieving security in Nigeria shows that there is hope, as he finally thanked members of the military and other security Agencies for making Lagos the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
The CDS was also at military formations in Lagos for an operational visit, where he charged personnel to redouble their efforts towards ridding the nation of insecurity.
