Soldiers from the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, on Wednesday, carried out an environmental sanitation exercise at Lafenwa market in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration.
The soldiers were seen sweeping through the market and clearing drainages within the environment.
Speaking with journalists, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammed Aminu, said the exercise was to prevent the further spread of cholera.
Aminu who was represented by the Garrison Commander, Colonel Legborsi Nule, said the gesture was to support its host environment and give back to the society.
Aminu stated that military personnel were members of the community and played a vital role in activities related to the country’s growth.
He explained that the outbreak of cholera was also considered before deciding to clean the market areas.
“Because of the outbreak of cholera, we decided to clean the environment, this is a market, and all of us shop from here so there is no better place that should be kept clean than a place where you are buying your foodstuffs.
“It is a yearly event that takes place across the country and we use this period as a day to carry out activities like this in support of our host environment.
“We decided to come to the market, we have been passing here and we found out that the market was dirty by the day so we decided to clean it to help the civil authority and our host community.
“And to let them know basically that we in the military are part of the society, we are part of the community.
“Whatever that has to do with the development of the country, it is also our responsibility as citizens of this country.”