The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through community development projects with the commissioning of a remodelled school in Ezomo Community, Benin City, Edo State.
The school was commissioned on Friday, November 6, 2026, under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programme, aimed at improving relations between the military and its host communities.
The project, initiated by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), Major General Bobby Ugiagbe, is designed to improve the learning environment for pupils and teachers while promoting mutual trust and cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the civilian population.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Shaibu said the Army remained committed to implementing impactful community development projects that complement government efforts in providing essential social amenities, particularly in the education sector.
He described such interventions as an important component of the Army’s non-kinetic approach to promoting peace, security and sustainable community development.
The COAS expressed confidence that the remodelled facility would provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning, improve pupils’ academic performance and strengthen the existing relationship between the Army and the host community.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facility, ensure its proper maintenance and protect it against vandalism.
Shaibu also commended Ugiagbe for initiating the project, describing it as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of residents in its host communities.
Earlier, Ugiagbe said the school renovation was executed under the Army’s CIMIC programme as part of efforts to give back to the community and strengthen civil-military relations.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his support and encouragement, which he said contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The statement was signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on November 7, 2026.
