NADCEL 2026: Army renovates schools, town hall, installs boreholes

The Nigerian Army has inaugurated renovated schools, a town hall, and solar-powered boreholes in Rivers State as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

Anele said that the projects were inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant Waidi Shaibu.

Shaibu said the projects reflected the army’s commitment to placing people at the centre of national security through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.

He also said that the interventions covered Community Secondary School, Obio/Akpor; Community Secondary School, Lueku in Khana Local Government Area; a town hall in Oyigbo; and a solar-powered borehole in Degema.

The army chief described the projects as symbols of restored hope, dignity, and opportunity for students, teachers, and host communities.

He said that the army was complementing its security operations by addressing critical community needs that directly affected people’s daily lives.

According to him, sustainable security is achieved not only through military operations but also collaboration, shared responsibility and public support.

Shaibu disclosed that the Nigerian Army had executed more than 250 intervention projects nationwide.

He said the projects include hospitals, classrooms, roads, ICT centres, solar lighting systems, and water facilities.

The COAS added that previously dilapidated schools had been transformed into safe and conducive learning environments.

He emphasised that education remained a critical pillar for lasting peace and national stability.

Shaibu urged benefiting communities to protect and maintain the facilities for future generations.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the army through improved welfare and operational resources.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the projects were executed to strengthen relationships with host communities.

Etsu-Ndagi said that four intervention projects were completed across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State to ensure equitable distribution and impact.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Gift Worlu, described the projects as transformative.

Worlu said that the renovated schools would improve learning conditions and restore hope among students and teachers.

He assured the army that the facilities would be protected and properly maintained by the benefiting communities.