Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has assured that the state is ready for the operationalisation of the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division in Benin.
Okpebholo gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection visit to the temporary facility of the 83 Division in Benin, where he assessed the progress of ongoing work at the facility.
He said the location, which was bushy when he last visited about two weeks ago, had been cleared, adding that the next phase was the fencing of the facility.
“Last time we came here about two weeks ago, this place was very bushy, but today you can see everywhere is cleared and the next thing now is fencing.
“We are set for the 83 Division here in Edo State, by the grace of God. Everything needed to complete this place for the military to inhabit here is ready and we are set,” he said.
The governor said Edo was strategically located in the South-South, recalling that the state served as the headquarters of the former Mid-West Region.
He described the decision by President Bola Tinubu to establish a military division in Edo as a significant development for the South-South region.
“Edo is a central point. We have work to do in the South-South. That is why we were called Mid-West and the headquarters of Mid-West was in Benin, and we are still in Benin today.
“So, putting a division here, in the wisdom of Mr President, is a great thing for the South-South. We are happy because Mr President thought rightly for this to be in Edo,” he said.
Okpebholo said the infrastructure being provided at the facility was a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to supporting the military.
He assured that the government would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that personnel deployed to the division were comfortable.
The Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, said the inspection was a follow-up to an earlier visit to assess the progress of work at the facility.
Balogun said the work was progressing steadily and expressed optimism that the operationalisation of the division would commence in the nearest future as pronounced, while other amenities and facilities were being incorporated.
Also speaking, a resident, His Royal Highness (HRH), Dogwo Bako, commended the governor for clearing the area, saying it was previously a hideout for criminals.
Bako said the transformation of the area had given residents confidence and assured the governor of the community’s support for the development.
He described the area as a massive expanse of land and expressed optimism that the ongoing development would bring further transformation to the community.
