From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said Nigeria needs to use new technologies through collaborative research and development to be able to tackle insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central parts of the country.
He stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2024 held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi, Benue State.
Alia promised that his administration will continue to support the noble ideas of the Nigerian Army in the performance of their duties and felicitated with the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Combat Support Arms Training, 2024.
Looking at the theme: “Emerging Technologies: A Panacea for Operational Efficiency”, the governor expressed firm belief that the event was yet another step in the right direction towards their collective resolve to leverage emerging technologies towards enhancing the conduct of military operations.
“The adoption of new technologies through collaborative research and development will help in defeating non state actors currently terrorizing many parts of the country.
“I will always identify with the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army, other relevant stakeholders and partner organizations to discuss and fashion out better ways of improving military operations towards a more secured and economically viable nation.
“I therefore commend the contribution of the Nigerian Army to the fight against insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central, assuring them that the government and the good people of Benue State will always support them,” Alia maintained.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja warmly welcomed the governor, his entourage, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities to the event.
He said, in today’s complex and unpredictable operational environment, combat arms required a robust and reliable support to function effectively and achieve military strategic, operational and tactical objectives.
The Commander, Corps of Engineers, Prof. Abiodum Musa Aibinu expressed the delight of the corps of Military Engineers to host this year’s event saying it provided a platform for training officers of the Nigerian Army to enhance operational efficiency.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Hon. David Ogewu were amongst top dignitaries who graced the occasion
The highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenirs to the governor and other participants.
Daily Asset
