The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated 21 housing units, including an officers’ mess, for personnel of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The project, inaugurated on Thursday, is part of the Army’s efforts to improve personnel welfare and provide better accommodation and working conditions for officers and soldiers.
According to Shaibu, represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, the initiative reflects his commitment to building a welfare-oriented and professionally driven Nigerian Army.
He said the quality of soldiers’ living conditions directly affects their operational effectiveness, noting that personnel who have access to decent accommodation, reliable utilities and secure environments are better positioned to perform their duties.
Shaibu reiterated the Army’s commitment to providing modern living facilities equipped with clean water, reliable electricity, adequate security and a healthy environment.
He described the investment as more than the construction of buildings, saying it represented an investment in the welfare and operational capacity of military personnel.
He also urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities properly and make effective use of the improved working environment to support ongoing military operations.
The COAS commended President Bola Tinubu for his support and budgetary commitment to the Nigerian Army, noting that government backing had made the project possible.
Earlier, the Commander of the 42 Engineer Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Uchechukwu Okoroji, said the condition of the renovated and remodelled structures before the intervention had raised significant welfare concerns.
He noted that improving accommodation and administrative facilities would strengthen personnel morale and improve their commitment to service.
The Commanding Officer of the 81 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Chibueze Asogwa, also expressed appreciation to the COAS for including the battalion among the beneficiaries.
According to NAN, 16 of the 21 housing units are located within Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, while the remaining five are situated at Letmauck Cantonment in Mokola Barracks, Ibadan.
The project forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader efforts to improve living conditions across its formations and strengthen personnel welfare.
