The soldiers of 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Odogunyan Barracks, led by their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col B.C Eze, on Saturday, June 30, 2018, carried out the clearing of a long standing major refuse blocked drainage along Ikorodu Sagamu Road (close to the cemetery) to enhance cleanliness and conducive environment.
Many residents of Ikorodu, who witnessed the cleaning, could not believe the magnanimity of the soldiers as they raised various questions ranging from “Are these military men on punishments?” Are they not real soldiers? Or, “Are they doing this to foster cleanliness? Are they here for burial?”
But obviously, seeing a live Brigade Band singing and drumming to celebrate the efforts of the soldiers, they knew that the soldiers were on a routine community service led by their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col B.C. Eze, who ensured that the refuse dug-out from the drainage channel were packed into the refuse compactor before leaving the area.
While speaking to Oriwu Sun, some of the residents expressed their admiration for the soldiers and commended them for their friendliness and exemplary conducts. According to the Chairman, Gberigbe Orilade Central Community Development Association (CDA), Chief Olukorede Amos, it was a great surprise to him to see soldiers carrying out this kind of job in the community.
According to him, the cleaning exercise was supposed to be carried out by the government but the soldiers had taken it upon themselves, which was a good development. He advised the residents to shun the habit of dumping refuse in gutters and ensure the environment is clean all the time.
Mr. Adebowale Suleman, a resident along Sabo area described the solders as good citizens of this country, who did not limit their roles to security alone but engaged in community service to ensure a better society. He said the soldiers had sent a warning signal to all civilians to make their environment clean and ensure that the drainage channels are not tuned to dump sites.
Mr. Adebowale also said that the residents should align with cleaner Lagos initiative of the Lagos State Government through proper refuse disposal to ensure conducive environment. In his words, “It is a shame to civilians living around here. If this military men could leave their barracks this morning to clean up this blocked drainage, then what are we doing?”
Mr. Ody Isaiah, another residents described the soldiers as good citizens of the country and that is why they are more respected. He said with the cleaning exercise done by the soldiers, a clear message had been sent to all civilian about the need to clean their environments. Ody Isaiah suggested putting an inscription at the side of the drainage to warn people against dumping of further refuse there.
Another resident, Wale Odeku said that the exercise by the soldiers was a show of love. In his words, “these soldiers, through this exercise had told all residents to be conscious of cleaning their environments.”
Another residents, Mrs. Olabode Ramotah on sighting the soldiers took to her heels thinking that the soldiers were on a different mission. She later prayed for the soldiers when she discovered that they meant well.
A resident Mr. Michael Olubiyi said: “I was amazed by the attitude of those soldiers. If they could bring themselves down to this level of cleaning up a drainage channel messed up by civilians, the civilians have been thrown a real challenge”. He stated.
The drainages were exhaustively cleared before the soldiers returned to the barracks. But their action has continued to generate positive reactions amongst the residents of Ikorodu division.