COAS commissions 120 flats, solar borehole for soldiers in Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, has inaugurated four blocks of 120 residential flats and a 60,000-litre solar-powered borehole for soldiers at Ribadu Cantonment, Kotoko Barracks, Kaduna.
Represented at the ceremony on Friday by the Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullah, the army chief said the project was part of sustained efforts to improve the welfare and living standards of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.
Shu’aibu said the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First Culture and his command philosophy, which places priority on the welfare of officers and soldiers.
He described the commissioning as a major milestone in the Army’s welfare programme, stressing that it demonstrated the leadership’s commitment to providing better living conditions for troops in barracks nationwide.
“This is a clear demonstration of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which prioritises the welfare and well-being of personnel,” he said.
The COAS commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, for successfully executing the project, noting that it signalled the beginning of additional welfare-focused interventions.
He disclosed that the renovated accommodation blocks were previously in poor condition, with some structures rendered uninhabitable due to damaged roofs and inadequate facilities.
Shu’aibu urged beneficiaries to take responsibility for maintaining the new facilities and to guard against vandalism. “Much has been given, and much is expected. Beneficiaries must reciprocate this gesture by taking good care of the accommodation. Proper maintenance will encourage more renovation projects in the near future,” he added.
