The Nigerian Army has donated houses to 20 wounded-in-action soldiers in Abuja.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, presented the keys to the houses on Wednesday during the commissioning of 400 Housing Units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Phase 1 in Abuja.
In his remarks, The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, charged other Services of the Armed Forces to key into the project and provide housing units to all ratings and airmen.
He described the project as a true testament to the untiring efforts of the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, who had continuously advanced the welfare of the Nigerian Army personnel.
He commended the new Chief of Army Staff, 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.
General Musa said the project aligns with the vision of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Scheme of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that every citizen deserves a home and “our personnel must not be left out”.
He urged the Nigerian Army to embark on more of such projects in the FCT and across other parts of the country, adding that such projects would foster overall development, enhance security and bring socio-economic benefits to the residents.
He said: “Such initiatives not only improve the welfare of personnel but also strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian population.
“By prioritising 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.
“Finally, I want to recognize and encourage our heroes who are making us proud to have a home in their geopolitical zones and if possible, their home states and not Abuja alone”, he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Oluyede, said the project was initiated by the late COAS Lt-Gen Toareed Lagbaja as part of his sound administrations philosophy and him (Oluyede) being someone who also believes strongly that soldiers are the bedrock of the Army, makes a soldier first the foundation of his command philosophy and prioritised the completion.
The Army Chief 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.
“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 COAS stated.
He said the Idu Abuja phase 1 of the AHOOAS project is a pilot project and it took only 15 months of direct labour to complete.
“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 added.
