BY EDMOND ODOK – Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar has described the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)’s remodeling of the Ogundeko Hall in Nigeria Military School (NMS), Zaria as a philanthropic gesture that is worthy of emulation.
Gen Abubakar, who commissioned the project at the weekend, said by this action, the FIRS’ Executive Chairman, Tunde Fowler, has given a spectacular touch to one of the most fundamental mainstays of human development.
In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the FIRS remodelled and furnished the 800-seated capacity hall tastefully, providing an expansive and conducive environment for large gatherings in the Nigerian military establishment. It is fully equipped with modern conveniences that include air conditioners, a generator, overhead projector, screen and speakers.
“Let me, on behalf of the military, my constituency, commend the FIRS for this great gesture. I commission this project. May it serve humanity and be an edifice for the on-coming generations. I commend Mr Fowler for this philanthropic effort.
“Mr Chairman of FIRS and Chairman of this occasion, on behalf of the Commandant and the students of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, I say thank you. I also
call on other Nigerian leaders to do same as Fowler has done”, the former Military leader said.
Going down memory lane on the NMS’ establishment about 65 years ago, Abubakar noted that the Institution has successfully evolved in tackling existing and emerging challenges of the times.
“I do not hesitate to commend all stakeholders who have contributed in no small measure to develop the Nigerian Military School,” the retired General said
In his remarks, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Mr Fowler said the Service was motivated to remodel and furnish the Ogundeko Hall based on its desire to promote quality education and ensure it flourishes in the country .
Fowler, who noted that the Nigerian Military have made huge sacrifices to the society’s well-being, said; “We want to tell them, through this project, that we in the corporate world also care for them and appreciate their sacrifices to the society.”
He said given the immense contributions to societal development, the FIRS, as a corporate entity, will always identify with the institution to achieve its set goals.
According to him, “The Nigerian Military School is an extra-ordinary secondary school that combines both military and academic training for young Nigerians that desire to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. Since the establishment of the prestigious training institution in 1954, courageous men have been nurtured to
lead the battlefront in different aspects.
“The Nigerian nation felt the positive impact of renowned discipline of the NMS through late General Tunde Idiagbon who was an ex-boy of the Nigerian Military School. There are other ex-boys that have been contributing immensely to the development of this great country.
“Today, products of this school are national asset and they are doing extremely well in our Armed Forces. It is in this light that I wish to reaffirm that the NMS is certainly fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers,” Fowler noted.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Yusuf Buratai, also commended the FIRS for investing in human development.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Logistics, General A. O. Shodunke, the COAS described the FIRS’ gesture as the greatest investment made in the overall interest of national development.
Also speaking at the event, Commandant of the NMS, Brig-General M. M. Bunza said it was an honour to host former President Abdusalami, Gen Buratai, Fowler and other dignitaries who graced the event.
In appreciating Mr Fowler and FIRS for the gesture, which he described as a moral booster, the Commandant said; “I would like to thank the FIRS and the Executive Chairman of FIRS for single-handedly bankrolling the renovation and furnishing of the Ogundeko Hall. This hall just a few months ago, was an eyesore. But you can see that it is now a standard facility. There are few universities in the country that have this type of hall.”
Immediately after commissioning, the hall was deployed by the school authorities to host its 2019 Speech and Prize Giving ceremony for outstanding students and teachers of the institution.
