General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),has applauded the Lagos State Government for prioritising the security of lives and properties of residents in the state.
He gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor on Monday at the Marina House, Lagos.
The CDS also pleaded for further support to sustain the presentmeasure in the state.
“We are here to say thank you, for all you are doing for Lagos State; when Lagos State coughs or sneezes, Nigeria catches cold,” he said.
The military chief pointed up the importance of Lagos in the affairs of the country as the economic nerve centre which, he noted, explains the essence of its stability to national growth and development.
Stressing the need for prayers for strength and God’s guidance for the state, the CDS recalled Sunday’s visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Lagos which he described as a significant milestone in world history.
“Again, I’d like to thank you for all you do for members of the armed forces and other security agencies; as I said, Lagos must be secured and you are doing that very well,” he maintained.
Giving further insight into the mutual engagement between the various security agencies and the state government, Musa commended Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding commitment and sacrifice to the nation’s body politic.
“The responses all over have been tremendous, because they (the agencies) felt highly honoured and privileged; they ask me to convene their greetings to you,” the general said.
Gen. Musa further commended the governor for the deliberate attempt at agricultural revolutionary efforts aimed at feeding the teeming populace.
Gen. Musa applauded Sanwo-Olu for his relationship with the armed forces settlement centre at Oshodi, and the 50 hectares of farm land among others.
Recalling his foray into agriculture, the CDS said he once had the privilege of being the Executive Director of Nigerian Army Farms during Gen. Tukur Buratia’s era as the nation’s Chief of Army Staff and his several experiences in farming took him to Brazil.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu in his response applauded the general for maintaining peace and unity of the country.
“I want to say that indeed, in the last 12 months, we’ve seen a very consistent decline in what we know before in some parts of the country; in the North Central, it has gone down significantly.
“I appreciate you and your men who have been working tirelessly. For us as a government, we know too well what the challenges are,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for more collaboration to ensure that the lives and properties of every citizen of Nigeria are secured.
“We’re in government to serve people; we are in government to make sure that life becomes a lot more meaningful. Let us use governance as a tool for development that is centrally driven by people’s interest,” the governor said.
“I think that vision you have for the armed forces is also people’s centered so we can see the similarities which is to serve our people, to ensure that we put our people first.
“And I want to thank you for having that clear vision. What it means is that we should, continuously, collaborate. To ensure that they can sleep with their eyes closed.
“They want to know that there’s security of lives and properties which is one of the most paramount reasons why we are in government.
“To do this, we know there will be challenges; people that want to undermine government and people with ulterior motives, which is why our collaboration is essential to ensure that the country remains safe and peaceful where businesses can thrive,” he said. (NAN)
Chinedum Anayo 
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