ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu officially inaugurated the newly constructed “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks” in Asokoro, Abuja, on Thursday, addressing the pressing accommodation shortages for officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops, providing adequate office and residential spaces.
The barracks, named after the President, features an extensive array of facilities, including 16 Major Generals Quarters, 34 Brigadier Generals Quarters, 60 flats for the Major to Colonel ranks, and 60 flats for the Lieutenant to Captain ranks. Additionally, it consists of 180 blocks for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, 264 flats for Corporals and those below, as well as worship centers, sports facilities, and a powerhouse.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, emphasized that naming the barracks after President Tinubu serves as a way of “giving honor to whom honor is due.” He stated this was in recognition of the President’s extraordinary support and commitment to addressing the operational needs and welfare of the army, particularly in alleviating accommodation burdens.
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“The project was initiated and executed by my predecessors, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja,” Oluyede said. He explained that there was a critical need for additional accommodation due to the increasing number of Nigerian Army establishments in Abuja. “Today, we celebrate the visionary leadership and relentless effort that created the foundation for us to complete and commission this project,” he added.
He further detailed the project’s scope, noting it consists of 16 Major General Quarters, 34 Brigadier General Quarters, and various family flats for different ranks. This development translates to accommodation for 614 personnel, comprising 170 officers and 444 soldiers and their families.
Oluyede thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to ensuring that men and women in uniform have access to affordable and decent accommodation, particularly as the army continues to combat insecurity across the nation and reintegrate frontline troops.
In response, President Tinubu assured the officers and soldiers that their welfare would not be compromised. “Knowing that the federal government is always ready to meet the needs of troops to fulfill their mandates is essential for winning battles,” he stated. “You are our heroes, and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country.”
He praised the COAS for his foresight in the development of the barracks and expressed appreciation to all personnel who contributed to the project’s timely completion. “What you all are doing for us is remarkable and appreciated, and the only way we can show this is through continued support for the men and women in our uniform,” he affirmed.
The President also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for their initiative in completing the project in a record time and paid tribute to the late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja for his impactful contributions to the army.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed the army’s commitment to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supporting its flourishing democracy, pledging the army’s unwavering support for the Tinubu administration in its efforts to enhance the country’s socio-economic and security landscape.