By Eze Nkechi
Nigerian Army has presented houses to 20 soldiers who were wounded in action.
The ceremony, which took place in Abuja, in the army’s efforts to prioritize the welfare of its personnel.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, presented the keys to the beneficiaries during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Housing Units.
This initiative is part of the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme, designed to provide comfortable and affordable housing for all soldiers.
CDS charged other services to key into the project and provided housing units to all ratings and airmen.
Musa described the project as a true testament to the untiring efforts of the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who had continuously advanced the welfare of army personnel.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for continuing with the scheme, ensuring that more houses will be built for interested subscribers.
“The importance of owning a decent shelter in a soldiers’ life cannot be overstated as it promises stability, security and peace of mind, enabling them to focus fully on their duties,” he said.
Musa said the project aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Scheme of the President Bola Tinubu that every citizen deserves a home, adding that the military personnel must not be left out.
He urged the Nigerian army to embark on more projects of this kind in the FCT and other parts of the country, adding that such projects would foster overall development, enhance security and bring socio-economic benefits to the residents.
“Initiatives like this, does not only improve the welfare of personnel but also strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian population.
“By prioritizing infrastructure and development, the Nigerian army continues to play a pivotal role in nation building.
“May I at this juncture, recognize and thank the governors of Akwa Ibom and Edo State for allocating land in their states for the scheme.
“I also want to on behalf of the NA solicit all other governors to allocate land to the Nigerian Army to build houses for soldiers as land in Abuja will not be sufficient to build for all the personnel,” he added.
In his remarks, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, said the project was initiated by the late COAS Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja as part of his sound administrations philosophy.
He said that the late army chief believed strongly that soldiers were the bedrock of the army, made soldier the foundation of his command philosophy and prioritised the completion of the project.
Oluyede said the project represented a landmark achievement in service’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of soldiers and their families.
He said the Idu Abuja phase 1 of the AHOOAS project is a pilot project and it took only 15 months of direct labor to complete.
“The objective is primarily to support the dream of every soldier to acquire suitable and befitting post-service living accommodation in their location of choice from the available site options.
“It is believed that the affordable home ownership option for all soldiers will eventually alleviate the housing challenges of our soldiers.
“The phase one of this project will house 400 subscribers and their families.
“I am committed to driving the process for the immediate completion of the subsequent phases of this development in Idu, Benin City, Ibadon, and Uyo to deliver on our promises to our soldiers,” he said.
