By Philip Nwawunze
May 17 (Newshour.com.ng) – In a bid to sanitize its Barracks and uphold the ethics of moral rectitude for which the Army are known in their various Barracks, the Onitsha Military Cantonment has organised a two day child protection awareness workshop.
The workshop organised by the Nigerian Army Officers’ wives Association, Nigerian Soldiers Wives Association in conjunction with the Salvation Army Anambra West division, held at Army Day Secondary School, Onitsha, was well attended by both women and youths.
Some of the illicit behavior preached against include the use of all kinds of illicit drugs, weired or irresponsible dressing like boys blowing their hair, plaiting their hair like women, sagging of any kind, wearing of artificial dreadlock, dressing half naked, or by exposing vital body parts, among others.
The Commanding Officer 14 field Engineer Regiment Onitsha, Lt Col Ayuba Nandang, while reading a riot act to those involved or would be involved in such illicit behavior, warned them to steer clear of the Cantonment or be dealt with decisively.
Lt Col Nandang frowned at what he called deteriorating standard of morality amongst some residents of the Barracks especially relative and wards of soldiers including corps members, students, etc.
He reemphasized the need for Military authority to ensure that people are disciplined within the Barracks.
According to Lt Col Ayuba Nandang, when you enforce discipline, people see you as being wicked, but it is not wickedness rather a committed attempt to ensuring that the high Military standard of character is reclaimed in the Barracks for a better and more conducive society.
He challenged teachers, parents , and other care givers to be in the fore front of showing good example since children learn more from what they see than what they are told.
Some activities were embedded in the workshop to ensure smooth running of Child Protection activities within the Barracks, the activities included the Establishment and inauguration of child protection champion and drug free Club, where executives of the organisations were charged to oversee the activities of the protection ambassadors with the CO 14 FER as Patron .
It is expected that soonest the positive impact of the programme will be felt within the Barracks in line with the spirit of excellence, associated with the Army.
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