Nigerian Soldiers clean up Oshodi Market

Nigerian soldiers led by example as they joined in the cleaning up of Oshodi Market in Lagos State with resident traders within the axis lauded their exemplary act.

Over the weekend, soldiers of the 9 Brigade of the Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigerian Army conducted an exercise that involved the cleaning up of Oshodi.

They undertook in the cleaning up of the pedestrian bridge, drainages and walkways of the Bus Rapid Transit in the Oshodi area, much to the delight of residents and traders.

Praising their efforts, the traders remarked that such exercise would go a long way to boost healthy relationships between civilians and soldiers in the state.

According to one of the traders, she remarked on how she was initially scared of the military men showing up in town:

“When I saw the soldiers I almost ran away but when I saw them sweeping and cleaning the drainage I became calm.” She said.

“I have never seen soldiers cleaning the road. This is my first time, but I am happy. The gutter here has been loaded with refuse, even the bridge is worse. Seeing them cleaning is a good omen.”

Another also added that seeing soldiers join in the clean up alongside them goes to show a sense of unit that needed to be promoted.

“We traders usually engage in weekly cleanup, but the sanitation supports from the soldiers showed that we are really one.”

According to Lt. Col. Tahir Abdallah, the exercise was part of the activities lined up for the celebration of Nigerian Army Day which comes up on July 6.

“It is to support the people in the area of sanitation and hygiene and to show a good example of how it is important to maintain a high level of hygiene.

“9 Brigade covers most areas of Lagos State. We have units in Owode, Ikorodu , Ojo as well as in Surulere,” he said.