The General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, Nigerian Army, General Azinta has paid a working visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye in his office at the main campus, Igbinedion University, Okada.
General Azinta who was accompanied by the Brigade Commander, 4th Brigade, Benin, Brigadier General I. Garba was in Okada on an inspection tour of the venue of events ahead of the visit of the Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Burataia to Igbinedion University, Okada on the 25th of October where he is expected to deliver the Inaugural lecture and ground-breaking ceremony for the Centre for Contemporary Security Studies, Igbinedion University, Okada.
In his welcome remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezemonye expressed delight at the kind considerations of the Chief of Army Staff towards the invitation of the University as evident by the visit of the GOC. He noted that the Brigade Commander of the 4th brigade had earlier paid him visit on the same matter which makes it abundantly clear that the Chief of Army Staff will be honouring the invitation.
Prof. Ezemonye expressed optimism in the collaboration that is in process between Igbinedion University and the Nigerian Army through the Centre for Contemporary Security Studies that is about to be established.
He said knowledge exchange between the academia and the industry is mandatory for meaningful development of our society especially in the area of security which is no longer the preserve of the uniform men and security agencies.
Professor Ezemonye said the centre will involve technocrats and engage in quarterly international fora to discuss security issues bothering on national, regional and continental affairs.
He further informed that the choice of General Buratai as the Inaugural lecturer of the Centre is borne out of the need to immortalize his achievements and efforts in the war against terrorism in the country. He noted that the Chief of Army staff has done so much and so well that the senate of the University deemed it fit to accord him the honour.
Responding, the GOC on behalf of the Nigerian Army expressed gratitude to Igbinedion University Okada for such an honour to the Chief of Army staff which he observed is actually an honour to the entire Nigerian Army. He however expressed surprise that such an honour is coming from a University far beyond the troubled zone of the North East and Abuja territory.
He praised the idea of University digging into security studies. He therefore commended the university senate for choosing to honour the Nigerian Army.
The GOC informed the Vice-Chancellor that his primary assignment at Okada is to inspect the venue of the events and to take note of any challenge thereby. He further noted that more officers will be coming in days ahead to carry out surveillance.
Later, the Vice-Chancellor and members of Management including the University Bursar, Librarian, the Head of Works unit and Public Relations Officers conducted the GOC and his team round the University event centre and the location for the centre for Contemporary Security Studies building complex.