IKORODU DIVISION BREAKS 20 YEARS JINX, AS NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF PAID COURTESY VISIT TO ROYAL HEADS, VISITS ISHAWO COMMUNITY. | Shakiru Seidu. Army will continue to do their best in safeguarding the country and promoting peace. - Lieut. Buratai

The Nigeria Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and his entourage met with the Royal Heads, High Chiefs, Honorary Chiefs, Osugbo's, and Erelus of Ikorodu Division at the Palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, today 25th of October, 2017. The visit of the Army Chief to the Palace was the second of its kind in the history of Ikorodu division and the 1st in 20years.

The meeting which started with a short opening prayer by HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom who welcomed the Army Chief and other officers to the Palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

Lieut. Gen. T.Y. Buratai was introduced to the Royal Heads in the division, His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Ajibade Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe and High Chiefs from Ikorodu division and Agbowa were all introduced. In turn, the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. S.K. Usman also introduced all officers present.

Lt. Gen. Buratai expressed deep appreciation, saying Ikorodu is well known for its hospitality and acumen for trade. He said the meeting is to inform about the exercise of the 'Crocodile Smile 2' set to take place in the south west especially areas faced with serious security challenges.
He stated that the relationship between Ikorodu and the army is cordial and he appreciates the support, he went further to say that the Army will continue to do their best in safeguarding the country and promoting peace.

The former Commissioner for Information, Otunba Ayodele Elesho called for a  minute silence in honour of the Military Officer who lost his life while fighting for peace in Ishawo community.

The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, in his own comment commended the Chief of Army Staff, says he and his community has benefited from the quick response from the Army concerning security. He also applauded the Commander, 174 Battalion,  Col. B.C. Eze for his relentless effort in promoting peace in Ikorodu division.

The Obateru of Egbin Kingdom also commemded the Military especially the 174 Battalion at Odongunyan. He expressed his joy to be among the midst of Generals and enjoined the Chief of Army Staff to prevent clashes between the Royal institution and the Military.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, in his eloquent address, says the exercise is not after a certain community but to maintain and promote peace in Ikorodu division. He also stated the need to equip the military to facilitate effectiveness.

In view of this, the Baales present pledged 10 hectares of land for the Army. Thereafter, traditional blessings was conveyed on Lt.Gen. Buratai by the Apena and Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

Shortly after that, the Army Chief and his entourage went straight to Ishawo community to meet the stationed Nigerian Army and know their plight. I am satisfied with your approach to security challenges and I'll enjoined you all to maintain the spirit, Lieutenant Buratai implored the Nigerian Army stationed at Ishawo when speaking with Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression Magazine.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
The Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine.
The Pride of Ikorodu division.