The youth of Kwara have greeted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the creation of the new 9th Division of the Nigerian Army in the state, describing the development as an important step towards strengthening security in the state and neighboring communities.
The commendation was given during a joint peaceful rally organized by the Coalition of Kwara Youth Organizations and Arewa Youth Assembly in Ilorin.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Coalition of Kwara Youth Organizations, Ibrahim Funsho Saadu, popularly known as Funsho Layeri, said the creation of the division was an important response to the security concerns of the people.
Saadu, who said the development deserved public recognition, added that the people of the state had a responsibility to recognize efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“When President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of the 9th Division of the Nigerian Army with headquarters in Ilorin, he did something that no other president had done. He saw our vulnerability and responded with action,” he said.
According to him, the establishment of the division goes beyond military presence as it presents opportunities for job creation, improved security, increased investment and economic development in Kwara State.
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He urged residents to support security agencies with useful information and cooperation, and emphasized that the division’s success would depend in part on the relationship between the military and the communities it serves.
Also speaking, Arewa Youth Assembly Publicity Secretary Aliyu Muhammad described the creation of the 9th Division as a historic event and a turning point in Nigeria’s security efforts.
Muhammad commended President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, as well as the recruitment of additional personnel and measures to improve the welfare of soldiers.
He said the new division would improve military command and control, strengthen border security, protect critical infrastructure and facilitate faster responses to emerging security threats.
“Citizens will sleep better at night knowing that an entire army division is closer to them, farmers will go to their farms with greater confidence, and children will attend school without fear,” Muhammad said.
He called on Nigerians to support security agencies with intelligence, prayers and goodwill, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The youth organizations pledged their support and cooperation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, while expressing optimism that the creation of the 9th Division would contribute to lasting peace and development in Kwara State.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and the Chief of Defense Staff for their leadership and commitment to improving the nation’s security architecture.
Saadu also congratulated the general officer commanding the newly created division, urging him to maintain the professionalism and trust reposed in him by the president and the military leadership.
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