The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-Gen. Abdul Khalifa, has supported 1,000 persons with disabilities (PLDs) with relief materials in Borno. According to him, the relief materials include food and drinks, noodles and clothes and a token of money for each PLDs. Presenting the materials Tuesday in Maiduguri, he said: “These gestures are in continuation of the Army’s efforts towards supporting the vulnerable various groups in society. He noted that the distributed relief materials could improve the living conditions of the vulnerable in IDP camps and host communities. “It is our monthly tradition to invite persons with disabilities within the communities and support them with relief materials,” he said. Continuing, he added: “We’re engaging them to pray for victory for the unity of the country, our leaders as well as our troops that are executing the counter insurgency campaign in the frontline. “It is important to note in all these that it was not enough to leave issues of security to the military alone,” adding that the police, other sister agencies and civilians also have a role to play to ensure their security and safety. According to him, this could also sustain an enduring peace in all the liberated communities. On the state of insecurity, he said: “The relationship between the military and the civilian population has greatly improved. Gone are the days that civilians are apprehensive and resent their support to the Army. “The results of a conscious effort to bring the communities closer has been achieved. They have also shown that it can be trusted to play a positive role to enforce law and order and build a safe and secured society. “We’re determined to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the entire North-East,” urging the people to support the campaign to end terrorism. Abubakar Bulama, a beneficiary, commended the GOC for identifying with PWDs. He appealed to the state government to revive its skills acquisition and vocational training centers. He said the training of PLDs in the state could engage them in empowerment programmes for socioeconomic opportunities. “We could be empowered in cap and shoe making, tie and dye, beads makings as well as production of pesticides and insecticides to protect crops and vegetables,” he said, urging philanthropists and humanitarian agencies to complement the army and governments in supporting the vulnerable.
