By Paul Ebi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General OA Fadairo, has reiterated the Army’s commitment to bolstering civil–military relations and deepening collaboration with traditional institutions across the South East. He made this known during a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Eze Okeke (CFR), the Eze Imo, in Owerri, Imo State, as part of his operational tour of formations, units and stakeholders in the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
Major General Fadairo, warmly received by Eze Okeke and an assembly of traditional rulers, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interface with the custodians of culture, stability, and grassroots peacebuilding. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains a people-focused institution whose success in maintaining peace relies heavily on the cooperation, credible intelligence, and support of local communities.
“It is a great pleasure to be in your midst this afternoon,” the GOC said. “We believe in working closely with our royal fathers because we have a common goal: to ensure lasting peace and stability in the South East. I will continue to visit from time to time for your royal blessings, guidance, and words of wisdom.”
Major General Fadairo assured the traditional rulers that the Army deeply values their consistent support and warm reception, pledging to further consolidate ongoing non-kinetic initiatives aimed at strengthening trust and partnership with communities.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness Eze Okeke commended the visit as a welcome and confidence-building gesture that continues to enhance harmony between the military and civilians. He reaffirmed the readiness of traditional rulers to remain active partners in safeguarding peace and stability.
The Eze Imo praised the Nigerian Army’s diverse security efforts in the region, applauding non-kinetic approaches that have successfully won the trust of residents. He gave special commendation to the Commander and troops of 34 Artillery Brigade for their professionalism, versatility, and proactive response to emerging threats in Imo State.
According to the royal father, Imo State is enjoying improved peace, and the Army’s consistent collaboration with traditional institutions has played a crucial role in sustaining the stability currently enjoyed.
The visit further cemented the growing synergy between the Nigerian Army and traditional leadership—an alliance viewed as essential to long-term peacebuilding and community resilience across Imo State and the wider South East.
