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By Suleiman Shehu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, inaugurated 21 housing units, including officers’ mess, for officers and soldiers of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Ibadan.
Shaibu said the project was part of his critical areas of intervention and another significant milestone in his commitment to transforming the NA.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, NA, represented the COAS at the event.
Shaibu said he set out a clear command philosophy to foster professional leadership of the NA and a welfare-oriented army when he assumed office.
According to him, no army can achieve operational excellence on the battlefield if the administrative foundation at home is weak or if brave personnel are housed in a sub-standard environment.
“Today’s event is a tangible manifestation of that goal. The relationship between living standards, workplace environment, and operational capability is direct and undeniable.
“Soldiers who are well housed, whose families are secure in decent accommodation, and who operate from modern and fully equipped office facilities will inevitably perform their duties with greater focus, pride, and efficiency,” he said.
The COAS reiterated the NA’s commitment to providing personnel with dignified modern living quarters, with clean water, reliable power supply, security, and a healthy living environment.
He described the project as more than concrete, steel and mortar, but an investment in human capital, which is the army’s most valuable operational asset.
He urged the beneficiaries to properly use the projects to ensure their longevity and achieve their intended purpose.
“Accordingly, you are to use these improved working conditions to sharpen your administrative readiness and commitment to the ongoing operations,” he said.
The COAS commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the NA, adding that without the support and budgetary prioritisation, the project would have remained only on paper.
Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Uchechukwu Okoroji, Commander, 42 Engineer Brigade, said the state of the renovated and remodelled structures before the intervention of the COAS was a major welfare concern.
Okoroji identified troops’ welfare and sound administration as central to operational effectiveness, adding that the project would boost personnel’s morale and commitment.
In his remarks, Lt.-Col. Chibueze Asogwa, Commanding Officer, 81 Battalion, Letmauck Cantonment, Mokola, Ibadan, appreciated the COAS for ensuring that the battalion benefited from the project.
Asogwa assured the COAS of his officers’ commitment to discharging their constitutional responsibilities, explaining that they will be focused and determined.
NAN reports that 16 of the 21 housing units are within the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, while the remaining five are within the Letmauck Cantonment in Mokola Barrack. (NAN)
Edited by Moses Solanke
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