Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reassured security agencies of continuous support, describing Enugu as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and secure states.

“Enugu is enjoying the support you all have been giving the state, which has made it one of the most peaceful and secured states in the entire country,” noted the governor.

Mr Ugwuanyi disclosed this on Thursday in an address during the finale of inaugural GOC and chairperson NAOWA 82 Division Football Competitions held at the Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.

The governor lauded the synergy and close working relations of security agencies in the state, which he said had enhanced security.

“I am delighted to see that sister military, sister security and paramilitary agencies are here to witness the competition, which shows the spirit of oneness and togetherness of all the security agencies in the state,” the governor added.

Mr Ugwuanyi also thanked Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, for his vision in organising the competition and engaging the youths.

Mr Lagbaja explained that the competition was part of Civil-Military-Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to promote the relationship between the barracks and host communities.

“For instance, in July this year, we conducted a number of free medical outreaches at various communities where our medical teams supported thousands of residents with free medical consultation, drugs and other services,” Mr Lagbaja further stressed. “We equally supported thousands of pupils and students with educational support materials such as books, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers etc.”

The GOC mentioned that the football competition was part of the division’s positive contributions toward developing football talents at the grassroots level.

“I have no doubt that football clubs’ scouts and other talent spotters would have noted a number of players among the participants over the past two weeks of the competition,” he added.

(NAN)