By Goodluck Ikiebe
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji (CJTF NW OPHD) Major General Uwem Uduodo Bassey has commissioned the newly re-constructed 1 Brigade Officers’ Mess in Gusau, Zamfara State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the GOC/CJTF NW OPHD, Maj Gen Bassey stated that Operation Hadarin Daji is conducting Assymetric warfare against banditry, with troops committed to restoring peace and sanity in the state.
He stated that, “we cannot just be war oriented but also rest oriented” hence the newly re-constructed Mess will give room for relaxation.
The GOC/CJTF OPHD further commended the efforts of the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General CA Baushe, for re- constructing a befitting Mess for officers and their friends in Zamfara state.
He further reiterated the importance of the Mess in War and Peace time as it is part and parcel of our history.
General Bassey enjoined Officers to make good use of the Mess facilities and hoped that it will attract the patronage of law abiding citizens that will assist the military with actionable intelligence, which will lead to the arrest of bandits.
In his welcome remarks, the Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHD, appreciated the GOC/ CJTF NW OPHD and other distinguished invited guest for gracing the occasion.
He stated that on assumption of command, he noticed that the Mess was in a bad state, which was unconducive for officers to relax and socialize.
According to him, having considered that the Mess is a second home of every officer, he therefore saw the need to remodel the Mess by giving it a befitting face lift.
“Part of the facilities constructed were the standard convenience, 2 kitchenette, Gazebo and an open/ventilated bar amongst others”.
The Commander once again expressed his profound gratitude to the GOC/ CJTF NW OPHD for finding time out of his busy schedule to Commission the project.
Present at the event were: the Deputy Force Commander OPHD Air Cdre EO Ashiegbu, the Chief of Staff OPHD Navy Capt BOI Ajayi, Coordinator Logistics Component Brig Gen EA Anaryu, Commander Joint Intelligence Fusion cell OPHD Brig Gen JU Gombe, Commanders of Security Agencies, and officers of the Brigade.
Our Correspondent reports that highlights of the event include, cutting of the tape and unveiling of the commemorative stone for the commissioning of the Mess, brief tour of the Mess, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.
