The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Benin, conducted a medical outreach and made donations to schools in Edo State on Friday, as part of the activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 161st anniversary.

Residents from Ehor and surrounding communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area benefitted from the medical outreach. Additionally, the brigade provided writing materials to various public and private primary schools in Benin City and Ehor Township.

Beneficiary schools included Aruosa Primary School, Eguade Primary School, Freedom Group of School, Idia Modern Primary School, Odogbo Primary School, Akugbe Primary School, and NAOWA Model Nursery and Primary School at Ekehuan Barracks in Benin City.

Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the Brigade, emphasized that the initiative was meant to demonstrate the Army’s commitment beyond combat roles.

“Today is very important to the Nigerian Army. As you are aware, the Nigerian Army clocks 161 years as an institution. Since then, we have been keeping the peace and ensuring the unity of the country,” he said.

“The Chief of Army Staff wants us to show the world that the Nigerian Army is not just about violence; we also have the human aspect. That is why we are carrying out educational and medical outreach today,” Oduyebo added.

The brigade also dedicated the grand finale of the celebration to honor fallen heroes, showing support for their families. “We want to show them that their loved ones may no longer be with us, but we have not forgotten them. We will continue to care for them and their children, to complement what the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is doing,” he stated.

Highlighting the positive impact of the Army’s presence in Ehor, Brig.-Gen. Oduyebo noted a significant reduction in criminal activities, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, due to the efforts of the stationed regiment. “We thought that if we could donate these books to the children and conduct the medical outreach, we would further win the hearts of the people, and they would have the confidence to share intelligence with us,” he said.

The Chairman of Uhunmwonde Local Government, Mr. Kenneth Adodo, praised the 4 Brigade for their contributions and the improved security in the area since the Army’s deployment.