The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troops’ welfare with the inauguration of 100 housing units for soldiers at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps Centre, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, inaugurated the newly constructed accommodation, comprising 10 blocks of 10 family units for personnel of the rank of corporal and below, at Kafanchan Barracks, Jaji, on Thursday.
He said the project marked a significant milestone in his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army through improved welfare, enhanced professionalism and better living conditions for personnel.
The COAS said no army could achieve operational excellence if its administrative foundation was weak or its personnel were accommodated in substandard housing.
According to him, the relationship between living standards, working environments and operational capability is direct and undeniable.
“Soldiers who are well housed, whose families are secured in decent accommodation, will inevitably perform their duties with greater focus, pride and efficiency,” he said.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army was committed to providing dignified accommodation built to modern architectural standards, with access to clean water, reliable electricity, security and a healthy living environment.
He described the housing units as investments in human capital, which he identified as the Army’s most valuable operational asset.
The COAS urged the beneficiaries to maintain the facilities properly, stressing that their longevity would depend on the discipline with which they were managed.
He also charged commanders to ensure accountability in the maintenance of the newly commissioned facilities to prevent their deterioration.
Shaibu further urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the improved living conditions with greater commitment, administrative readiness and dedication to ongoing military operations.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Army, particularly in expanding its capacity and implementing welfare initiatives for personnel.
He noted that executive support and adequate budgetary provisions were essential to the successful completion of projects of such magnitude.
The COAS also commended the relevant departments, directorates, contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders for their contributions to the timely completion of the project.
Earlier, Mutkut, represented by the Chief of Staff, Infantry Corps Centre, Brig.-Gen. Mansir Tijjani, described the project as a demonstration of the COAS’s commitment to the welfare of troops in line with his command philosophy, the Troops First Concept.
He congratulated Shaibu on his first anniversary as the 25th COAS, noting that his leadership had strengthened operational effectiveness through focused leadership, improved training, enhanced welfare and infrastructural development.
Mutkut said the accommodation, approved by the COAS, comprised 10 blocks of 10 family units, fully completed with auxiliary facilities.
He said the project would significantly reduce accommodation challenges and improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families at the cantonment.
He also appreciated Tinubu for his strategic support for the Nigerian Army and its personnel.
The Infantry Corps Centre commander welcomed the COAS to Jaji Military Cantonment, describing it as the home of the Infantry.
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