The Nigerian Army yesterday handed over newly commissioned blocks of apartments to non-commissioned senior officers and soldiers with the rank of corporal and below serving under the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Speaking shortly after commissioning and handing over the apartments to the benefiting families, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, said the commissioned and handed over project is seven out of 16 ongoing projects in the cantonment.
Unachukwu said the execution of the project aligns with one of the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s philosophy and sound administration through welfare of troops, noting that the ceremony marks a significant milestone towards improving the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers and their families.
He said the gesture further reflects the unwavering commitment of the COAS to providing Nigerian troops with the best possible living conditions, adding that it is therefore his pleasure to have seen the actualisation of the initiative under his watch as the acting GOC 7 Division, through the support and strategic guidelines of the COAS.
“The backbone of our nation’s defence are the soldiers and it is our duty to ensure that they are adequately supported and cared for. The renovation of these blocks as well as construction of new ones is a testament to that commitment.
“It is imperative to state that projects of this kind are not only executed to provide soldiers with comfortable and safe abode but also serve as a symbol of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices.
“We must understand that a conducive learning environment is essential for morale, wellbeing and operational readiness. Therefore, investing in infrastructure upgrade such as this is not just an expenditure of resources but an investment in our most valuable asset.
“At this juncture, let me reiterate my commitment to ensure that the troops of this division are better positioned to perform their responsibilities with ease. I will continue to prioritise developmental projects in this division as well as welfare of our personnel. On your part, I urge you to ensure proper maintenance and functioning of these facilities. Equally, the division under my watch, will continue to reward hard work and would also be swift in sanctioning defaulters,” he said.
He appreciated the COAS for the unwavering support he has accorded the division, saying that the transformational leadership of the Army Chief has continued to inspire the officers and men of the division. He also appreciated the theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar for his leadership and moral support to the division.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries of the apartments, Warrant Officer Dahiru Madaki, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Oluyede for his commitment to the welfare of soldiers and his commitment to the provision of quality apartments to personnel.
He also appreciated the theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Abubakar for prioritizing the welfare of troops.
