By Mariam Sanni
Nigerian Army has presented houses to 20 wounded-in-action soldiers in Abuja in continuation of efforts to advance the welfare of its personnel.
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa presented the keys to the beneficiaries during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Housing Units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme.
In his remarks, the CDS charged other services to key into the project and provide 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, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, who had continuously advanced the welfare of army personnel.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant-General 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 President Bola Tinubu that every citizen deserves a home, adding that 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 residents.
“Initiatives like this, do not only improve the welfare of personnel, but also strengthen the bond between the military and civilian population.
“By prioritising infrastructure and development, the army continues to play a pivotal role in nation building.
“May I at this juncture recognise and thank the governors of Akwa Ibom and Edo States for allocating land in their states for the scheme.
“I also want to, on behalf of the army, solicit other governors to allocate lands to the Nigerian Army to build houses for soldiers as land in Abuja will not be sufficient to build for all the personnel,” he said.
In his remarks, the COAS said the project was initiated by the his predecessor as part of his administration’s philosophy.
He said the late army chief believed strongly that soldiers are the bedrock of the army.
Oluyede said the project represents a landmark achievement in the service’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of soldiers and their families.
He said Idu, Abuja phase 1 of AHOOAS 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.
“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, Ibadan and Uyo to deliver on our promises to our soldiers,” he said.
