The Nigerian Army has flagged off the construction of 16 Brigade Camp Buratai in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State.

Delivering his groundbreaking remarks, a visibly happy Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, described the development as a historical milestone.

He further stated that about a year ago he was in Bayelsa State for the operationalisation of the Brigade and now he was pleased to be associated with the developmental strides that have taken place in the last one year.

He commended the Brigade Commander for interpreting his vision which is to “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”. He further stated that the flag off of construction work is in line with President Buhari’s commitment to the welfare of troops, stressing that be places high premium on the welfare of personnel.

In his remarks, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson stressed that he will continue to partner with the Army to enhance the development of the barracks. He promised to build a Command Children’s School, Officers Mess, WOs/Sergeants as a Soldiers Canteen Mess with immediate effect. This, he said, was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to security.

On his part, an oil magnate, Chief Jackrich Tein Jr., Founder of Belema Oil, stressed that the Nigerian Army has done so much for the unity of Nigeria, stressing that the officers and men who laid down their lives in defence of the nation should be appreciated.

In demonstration of his love for the Nigerian Army he awarded a scholarship to 300 children of soldiers who died or became incapacitated in the line of duty. This, he said, will run at a cost of N45 million per annum. Chief Tein Jr. also undertook to construct one block of 30 family units of Corporal Below Quarters at the camp with immediate effect.

In his welcome address, the Commander 16 Brigade, Brigadier General Kevin Aligbe, stressed the uniqueness of the event, stating that it has signposted the flurry of construction activities that would attract much needed development to that part of Yenagoa.

He also appealed for intervention to actualise the gradual development of the permanent site of the Brigade and its affiliated units across the state.

Brig.-Gen. Aligbe expressed optimismc that the Brigade would justify the huge investment in this fighting formation as a catalyst against criminality in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

The highpoint of the event was the symbolic flag-off of the construction work by the Governor and the COAS, planting of trees at the Brigade Peace Park and the unveiling of the gate by the COAS.

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