The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has lauded the Nigerian Army for setting up a forward operating base in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

Obaseki gave the commendation while addressing the wife of Chief of Army Staff and President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, who led other members of the association on a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor said the continued partnership between the government, the military and other security agencies in the state has led to improved security across the 18 local councils of the state.

He said, “To me, this visit is special because it offers me the opportunity to officially express our profound gratitude to the Nigerian Army, through you to your husband, for the immense support he has continued to give to us in Edo State.

“He visited us several months ago, and on that visit, we expressed some fears and anxiety that we had about the security situation in Edo and he pledged his unalloyed support.

“We requested for a forward operating base and as soon as he arrived in Abuja, he immediately approved for us to have the base in Ehor, and Edo citizens are testimony to the fact that since he deployed his men, the level of kidnapping dropped significantly.”

Obaseki added, “People can now travel lengths without fear. Please help us express our profound gratitude to him. We will continue to appreciate his kind gesture.”

Hailing the army officers’ wives for the support and encouragement they continue to give to officers, ensuring peace and security in the country, the governor said, “We know the role of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives play in the lives of our services men, and also, when we run into a crisis, we call on the army and we know the professionalism at which they respond to our call.

“For us as a government, our priority is our people. It’s our people first because it’s people that create everything first; it’s people that create money, as well as technology, among others. So, without education and healthcare, at the basis, to strengthen your population, nothing else is going to happen.”

He continued: “That is why we have prioritized education in Edo and we are spending as much as we can afford on those two issues that affect the people. In the case of education, our focus is on the foundation, because once you have a sound foundation, that child can build on that foundation subsequently.

“The children in our public schools can compete with their colleagues anywhere in the world. Certainly, we want to extend this to your barracks if you allow us. The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) is acclaimed as one of the most transparent educational projects on the continent.

Earlier, Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, said that they were in Edo to launch a skill acquisition empowerment programme and inaugurate a daycare facility, both in Ekehuan cantonment, Benin City.