By ZAKAA LAZARUS ABUJA
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has assured officers, soldiers and their families that he is totally committed towards ensuring they have remarkable years in service and befitting post service years, promising unique welfare packages that will impact positively on their lives and that of their families.
The COAS made the revelation while addressing troops at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Cantonment, Maryland Lagos, during his operational visit to Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army and other units within its Area of Responsibility.
The Army Chief, who was received and briefed on operational and administrative matters of the Division by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa affirmed that he and his team are fully determined to make service years exceptionally bearable for the soldiers.
He said he has commenced adequate welfare schemes to make life better for personnel and their families.
General Oluyede promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and highlighted his innovative welfare schemes to include the provision of affordable housing for all soldiers in order to guarantee befitting post service years for personnel, the COAS Welfare Loan Scheme, Provision of adequate Uniforms, increament in troops’ Ration Cash Allowance and provision of military kits among others.
He further restated ongoing construction of new accommodation for soldiers and their families, as well as renovation of dilapidated structures in NA barracks.
The COAS also disclosed that plans are underway to introduce welfare buses to convey troops to and fro their places of work within the Lagos metropolis. He charged the troops to remain focused on the discharge of their constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
He cautioned the troops to shun interagency rivalry with other security agencies and work harmoniously with them.
At 9 Brigade, the COAS commissioned some laudable and impactful projects, including the newly renovated and remodeled Commanders 9 Brigade and 70 Supply and Transport Residences, Senior Non Commissioned Officers’ and Corporal Below Quarters, while at Ojoo Cantonment, he commissioned the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps Warrant Officers and Sergeant Mess.
Gen Oluyede also visited the Dodan Barracks, 65 Battalion, and undertook a tour of facilities and inspection of ongoing projects in the various units visited.
