The Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni, JP, has commended the Commanding Officer, officers, and men of the 3 Battalion (Rear), Nigerian Army, Effurun, for marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration with a commendable community environmental sanitation exercise aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across parts of Uvwie Local Government Area.
The environmental sanitation exercise, led by the Commanding Officer of the 3 Battalion, Major Abdulaziz Haruna, witnessed the active participation of officers and soldiers of the Battalion alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The exercise also enjoyed the collaboration and support of the Uvwie Local Government Council and the Council's Environmental Task Force, reflecting the importance of collective responsibility in community development.
As part of the exercise, the military personnel and NYSC members carried out an extensive clean-up operation along the busy PTI Road in Effurun, the Jakpa Junction axis, and the ever-busy Effurun Market. These strategic locations, which experience heavy vehicular and human traffic daily, benefited significantly from the sanitation exercise as drains were cleared, refuse evacuated, and the environment restored to a cleaner and more hygienic condition.
Speaking on the exercise, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni, JP, described the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of patriotism, discipline, and selfless service to humanity. He noted that while the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Army remains the protection of Nigeria's territorial integrity and the defence of its citizens, activities such as the environmental sanitation exercise further strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian population.
The Council Chairman stated that the Nigerian Army has continued to demonstrate that it is not only a fighting force but also a dependable partner in nation-building, humanitarian service, and community development. According to him, the decision of the 3 Battalion to commemorate the Army Day celebration through community service rather than mere ceremonial activities reflects the true spirit of service, sacrifice, and commitment to the well-being of the people.
Hon. Ofoni further expressed appreciation to Major Abdulaziz Haruna for providing purposeful leadership and for inspiring officers and soldiers under his command to actively engage in programmes that directly impact the lives of residents. He also applauded the NYSC members for joining the exercise, describing their participation as an encouraging display of volunteerism and civic responsibility.
The Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the Uvwie Local Government Council to sustaining its partnership with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, in promoting peace, environmental cleanliness, public health, and sustainable development across the local government area. He stressed that a clean environment remains a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, corporate organisations, and residents.
Hon. Ofoni called on the people of Uvwie to imbibe the culture of proper waste disposal, environmental sanitation, and protection of public infrastructure. He urged residents to complement government's efforts by maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings and supporting initiatives that contribute to a healthier and more beautiful environment.
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Uvwie Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman conveyed profound appreciation to the officers and men of the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and continued service to the nation. He described their community sanitation exercise as a shining example of effective civil-military cooperation and a worthy legacy of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The Council Chairman expressed confidence that such collaborative initiatives would continue to foster unity, strengthen public trust, and advance the collective aspiration for a peaceful, secure, clean, and prosperous Uvwie Local Government Area.
