The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated a fully renovated Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS) in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as part of efforts to support the development of education in the state.
The project was executed under the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation initiative by a senior Nigerian Army officer of Zamfara origin, Major General Mamman Galadima.
The COAS was represented at the inauguration ceremony by the Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, described education as a critical pillar of national security and sustainable development.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army considers host communities as key partners in national progress, stressing that, the special intervention projects were designed to give back to communities that have produced officers who served the nation with dedication and distinction.
He noted that, the renovation of the school aligns with the Army’s non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges through community development and social investment.
According to him, the Army deliberately consults host communities in the planning and execution of such projects to ensure local ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact.
The COAS expressed confidence that the comprehensive rehabilitation of the school would significantly improve educational standards and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the people of Maradun and Zamfara State at large.
He commended Major General Galadima for his commitment to his people and urged residents of Zamfara State to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance peace and stability across the state.
In his remarks, the project executor, Major General Mamman Galadima, described the initiative as a rebirth of hope for education in Maradun.
He explained that, the intervention covered the total renovation and rehabilitation of over 36 classrooms, offices, halls, and laboratories, including the installation of new roofing sheets, windows, and doors to guarantee safety, durability, and a modern, conducive learning environment for students.
Major General Galadima dedicated the project to the students, particularly the girl-child, and urged the school management and students to properly maintain the facilities for future generations.
Also speaking, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki, described the project as worthy of emulation, noting that, it aligns with the state government’s declaration of a state of emergency on education aimed at revitalising the sector.
Earlier, the Principal of GGDSS Maradun, Mrs. Suwaiba Muhammad Nafaru, expressed deep appreciation to Major General Galadima, saying the intervention would go a long way in strengthening girl-child education in the community.
The Emir of Maradun, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Tambari, praised Major General Galadima as an illustrious son of the emirate, whose contributions to education and community development would be remembered for generations.
The event was attended by some top military officers and dignitaries, including the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Alhaji Sanusi Dosara; traditional rulers; and other key stakeholders.
AMINU DALHATU.
