Stories by Musa Umar Bologi
The annual Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Conference holds today at the Imo State Trade and Investment Centre Owerri.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman said President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the Special Guest of Honour, would declare the conference opened.
He said the conference, which has as its theme “Consolidating on the Gains of Counter Insurgency Operations Towards Achieving National Security”, is part of activities in the Nigerian Army’s forecast of events is designed to “critically appraise” the army’s activities and operations in the preceding year, as well as make projections for the incoming year.
He said: “In line with the theme, special emphasis and appraisal of the counter insurgency and military operations in the North – East and South – South regions of the country as well as other operations will feature prominently.
“The conference appraisal is aimed at making the NA more responsive in the fulfillment of its constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and providing aid to civil authorities.
“This year’s conference is unique in many respects. The choice of holding it in the South East region of the country is in consonance with the COAS’ desire of moving the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army to dialogue with all regions of the country with the view to tailor security solutions peculiar to the people closely affected with their active participation.
“It is in this light that “EXERCISE PYTHON DANCE” will feature as part of the activities for the conference. EXERCISE PYTHON DANCE, a field training exercise, is designed to exercise troops in the South East region of the country.”
Col Usman said the Nigerian Army Medical Corps (NAMC) would provide free medical services in some selected communities in the region, as part of the army’s corporate social responsibility, and to further enhance civil-military relations.
He added that the medical services to be provided will include free eye screening and provision of glasses, blood screening and administration of drugs where necessary, blood pressure checks, distribution of mosquito nets, counseling services, amongst others.
He enjoined members of the general public are enjoined to take advantage of the services.
He said as part of the activities of the conference, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) would visit hospitals and orphanages for philanthropic services.
