In a bid to deepen existing cooperation among the Armed Forces and strengthen inter-agency collaboration for enhanced operational effectiveness, the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Naval Engineering Services Limited (NESL), Rear Admiral UU Faruk and the Lagos State Coordinator National Youth Service Corps Mrs Christiana Salwang paid separate courtesy visits to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola , at the Division Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya Acting Deputy’ Director,Army public relations,81 division Nigerian Army issued to newsmen.
Speaking during his visit, the MD NESL Rear Admiral UU Faruk said he was at the Division Headquarters to familiarise himself and explore avenues for stronger partnership, particularly in the area of service delivery.
He congratulated the GOC for his appointment and commended his dedication and efforts toward improving the security situation of the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
He gave a detailed brief on NESL adding that its core operations include logistics support, technical services, training, software development, and general consultancy services.
He used the opportunity to showcase some products manufactured by NESL, such as paints and engine oils, while highlighting recent advancements within the Nigerian Navy, including indigenous shipbuilding efforts exemplified by the Nigerian Navy(NNS) Ship Orji.
In his response, the GOC 81 Division, Major General Babalola appreciated the visit and commended the MD/CEO’s developmental strides and commitment to national growth.
He noted that with the increasing sophistication and technological advancement within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the military is on course toward greater self-sufficiency.
He promised to explore possible technical collaboration with NESL, beginning with the refurbishment of one of the Division’s boats and reaffirmed the Division’s readiness to sustain synergy with NESL, particularly in the area of training and technical support.
Similarly, the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christiana Salwang, alongside her entourage, paid a courtesy call on the GOC.
She stated that her visit was to formally welcome the new GOC and express appreciation for the Division’s consistent support toward achieving the NYSC mandate in Lagos State.
Mrs Salwang particularly commended the GOC for deployment of Camp Commandant and soldiers to train Corps Members during Orientation Camps, as well as provision of adequate security and other forms of assistance.
She extended her deepest appreciation to the GOC for the warm reception accorded her and her entourage and promised continuous cooperation with the Division.
Responding, Major General Babalola thanked the State Coordinator for the visit and acknowledged the significant role of the NYSC scheme in national development.
He stressed that the importance of the programme cannot be overemphasised, as it continues to foster unity by bringing together young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to live and work together in peace and harmony.
The GOC assured the Coordinator of the Division’s continuous support and cooperation to enable her to achieve her mandate.
Highpoints of the visits include signing of the visitors book, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs.
