By Sumaila Ogbaje
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed barracks in Abuja to accommodate officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to address the shortage of accommodation.
The barracks, named “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks”, Asokoro, Abuja, comprise 16 Major Generals Quarters, 34 Brigadier Generals Quarters, 60 Major to Colonel Flats and 60 Lieutenant to Captain Flats.
It also includes 180 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Blocks of Flats, 264 Corporal and Below Flats, worship centres, sports facilities and a power house in the barracks.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said naming the new army barracks after President Tinubu, was a way of ‘giving honour to whom honour is due’.
Oluyede said it was in appreciation of his extraordinary support and commitment to improving the welfare and operational needs of the army, particularly in reducing its accommodation burden.
He said the project was initiated and executed by his predecessor Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
He said his predecessors recognised the critical need for additional accommodation for the increasing number of Nigerian Army establishments in Abuja.
Oluyede said the two senior officers took the bold step to initiate the construction of the barracks.
“Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and relentless effort that created the foundation for us to complete and commission this project.
“The project being commissioned today is only phases one and two of the original plan.
“In specific terms, the project comprises 16 Major General Quarters, 17 Brigadier General Quarters, 3×20 family Major to Colonel Quarters, 30×20 Family Lieutenant to Captain Quarters, and 60×30 Family Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Quarters”, he said.
Others he listed are 6×30 Family Corporal and Below Quarters, 40×21 Corporal and Below Quarters.
Oluyede said that the development translates to accommodation for 614 personnel consisting of 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families.
COAS thanked President Tinubu for his commitment and passion for ensuring that men and women in uniform have affordable, decent, and befitting accommodation to live while in service.
He said the Nigerian army still faces an acute shortage of accommodation, which must be addressed as they continue to defeat insecurity nationwide and reintegrate frontline troops into the barracks.
“I am very confident that we can achieve this goal with the continued support from the Federal Governments and other stakeholders,” he said. (NAN)
Soldiers’ Welfare ’ll Not Be Compromised
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, on the occasion, assured officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army that their welfare would not be compromised.
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He said the barracks project aligned with the federal government’s commitment to enhancing troops’ welfare, including providing adequate office and residential accommodation.
According to him, knowing that the federal government is always ready to meet the needs of troops to fulfil their mandates is essential for winning battles.
“You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country.
“I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women.
“We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project,” said the President.
He said the government would continue to commit resources to improve the welfare of soldiers.
“What you all are doing for us is extremely remarkable, is appreciated and the only way we can show this is a continued support for men and women in our uniform,” he said.
The president commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its foresight in initiating and completing the project in record time.
He also commended the late army chief, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his impactful contribution to the development of the Nigerian Army.
In his remarks, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reiterated the army’s commitment to upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supporting its flourishing democracy.
Oluyede pledged the army’s unflinching support to the Tinubu administration in its effort to improve the country’s socio-economic and security fortune. (NAN)
