The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Dike Ogu 1 (War Lord) of Imo.
The Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Imo, His Royal Highness, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, conferred the title on the Army Chief, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Owerri on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of activities marking the commemoration of the year 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Okeke, who thanked the COAS for his efforts at restoring peace in Imo, pledged his readiness to partner with the Army and other security agencies in the state in the fight against criminality.
“We take cognizance of the partnership of the Nigerian Army with the Imo Government and we pledge our readiness to assist in whatever way it is required of us to ensure lasting peace in Imo,” he said.
Responding, Yahaya thanked the traditional ruler and his cabinet for the honour bestowed on him and said that he had come to pay homage to him in line with the dictates of tradition as Imo was hosting the NADCEL.
He urged traditional rulers in the state to keep watchful eyes, partner security agencies, and report obnoxious conducts capable of disrupting peace to relevant quarters.