Literacy will eliminate violence in Niger Delta ― Army GOC

GENERAL Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division/Land Component Commander Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Major General Jamil Sarahm, has opined that elimination of illiteracy through sound education will end violence in the country.

The army boss made the assertion on Tuesday at the inauguration of the renovated and refurnished Army Children Primary School, Effurun Barracks, Warri, Delta State.

Major General Sarahm urged parents to pay adequate attention to the qualitative education of their wards as a complementing way of eliminating social vices in the country.

Sarham said that the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COS), Lt. General Tukur Burutai, has identified education as a critical component in solving security challenges in the country.

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He said that the COS has therefore started the education project across all Army formations in the country.

He added that the 6 Division, which he presides over, has also keyed into the project of the COS and would sustain the process.

“We need to pay adequate attention to the education of our children being the leaders of tomorrow.

“Army has identified that education plays a very critical role in solving the insecurity in the country and we are paying adequate attention to educational development to ensure conducive environment.

“During our outing during the Operation Crocodile Smile 3, we moved into communities, identified indigent citizens and donated educational materials.

“We also took part in medical outreach to ensure we have a healthy society,” he enthused.

Commanding Officer, Sector 1, OPDS, Warri, Col Alhassan Grema, who initiated the renovation of the Army CHILDREN Primary School, said he was inspired by his daughter who bemoaned the decrepit situation of the school when she visited.

A representative of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr David Tonwe, expressed joy at the activities of the army in the area of security and education.

He opined that the army has already set a pace for the state and other stakeholders, pleading with the school management to maintain the facilities as well as report to the ministry of education when anything goes wrong.

Headteacher of the school, Mrs Diana Ekpan, described Col Grema as a Godsend, just as she appreciated the army and other contributors for the initiative.

Highlights of the event was a cultural performance Urhobo and Hausa by pupils of the school and presentation of plaques.