The Nigerian Army has renovated the 91 year old Magajin Rafi Model Primary School in Sokoto State under the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil Military Cooperation Scheme.
The project was executed on the recommendation of Major General Abbas Idris, an alumnus of the school. At the inauguration on Saturday, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy Idris Gobir, described the gesture as a powerful way of giving back and a major contribution to education in the state.
Aliyu said primary education is the bedrock of development, shaping future leaders and determining long term success. He noted that Magajin Rafi Primary School has produced many prominent Nigerians, including senior military officers, politicians, technocrats and community leaders.
The governor praised Idris as a true son of the state and a partner in the government’s efforts to improve education.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the GOC 8 Division, Major General Paul Koughna, said the project falls under the army’s Special Intervention Civil Military Cooperation Scheme. He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has executed over 250 similar projects nationwide, including schools, hospitals and other community facilities, as part of its non kinetic operations.
Shaibu stressed that the army is a people’s army and remains committed to community development and building public trust, beyond its core security role. He urged the school management and host community to take ownership of the renovated facilities and ensure proper maintenance.
Idris said the renovation was inspired by his experience as a former pupil and his desire to provide a better learning environment for future generations. He described the project as an investment in children’s dreams, saying every classroom now tells them their future matters and that they can achieve greatness.
He thanked the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their support and leadership. He also commended the Sokoto State Government and the Sultanate Council for their commitment to education and security.
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