Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, has inaugurated the remodelled 12 Field Engineer Regiment Headquarters Complex at Sappers’ Barracks, Ilese, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Speaking during the inauguration yesterday in Ijebu Ode, Lagbaja said since assuming office, he had focused on improving living accommodations, office spaces, medical centres and other critical barracks infrastructure.
According to him, his philosophy is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force to achieve its constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that the philosophy rests on three pillars: leadership, sound administration and operational efficiency.
“To drive home the command’s philosophy, the army leadership has embarked on renovating our barracks to provide a conducive working and living environment for officers and their families.
“To get the best out of our troops towards achieving the core responsibilities of the army, which is meeting the security, as well as other developmental needs of the nation.
“Today, we witness what has been accomplished by a commanding officer who has taken it upon himself to maintain the barracks.
“Without resources from the highest level, he has taken it upon himself to provide a befitting office space and other infrastructure for the needs of the barracks population.
“From the quality of work done, he has aligned with the new drive of the Nigerian Army Engineers,” Lagbaja said.
He appreciated the civil-military cooperation witnessed in Ilese community and assured them of the Nigerian Army’s continued service.
“Whatever the army is doing is designed to make life worth living for Nigerians. We shall continue to give our support, so that together, we can take our nation to the desired destination,” he added.
Commanding Officer of the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Enias, said the complex was previously deficient in space and other complementary facilities needed in the headquarters.
“To address the challenges, I took it upon myself to commit the meagre resources of the regiment, with the support and direct supervision of the commander, Corps of Engineers, to construct this edifice at Sappers’ Barracks, Ilese.
“This new headquarters complex represents a new chapter for 12 Field Engineer Regiment and will serve as a focal point for collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the execution of operations,” Enias said.
He commended the chief of army staff for supporting the project.
He also commended his transformational leadership and strong commitment to improve infrastructure within the Nigerian Army Engineers and the Nigerian Army at large.
Major-General Philip Eromosele, Commander, Corps of Engineers, explained that the event was a significant milestone, not only in the history of the regiment, but also for the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers as a whole. (NAN)
