By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has given reasons for the comprehensive barracks renovation under his leadership.
The major reason, he said, is to provide conducive working and living conditions for personnel of the Nigerian Army and their families.
He spoke while commissioning the remodeled Headquarters 12 Field Engineer Regiment (12 FER) at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The project executed by the Commanding Officer of the unit, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Enias was inaugurated on Tuesday 2 September, 2024 during the COAS’ operational cum working tour to 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the COAS noted that one of the essential beams of his Command Philosophy is “Sound Administration”, and to drive home his Command philosophy, the Nigerian Army (NA) leadership has “embarked on comprehensive renovation of barracks to provide conducive working and living conditions for personnel and their families.”
He clarified that he has focused on ensuring befitting accommodation and office space, as well as other critical barracks infrastructures.
He expressed delight that the values of his Command Philosophy is trickling down to the low wrung of command and administration in the NA as witnessed in 12 FER.
He lauded the Commander Corps of Engineers, Major General Philip Eromosele for leading the Army Engineers in the right direction.
Delivering his welcome remarks, the Commanding Officer 12 FER, Lt Col Alfred Enias said the occasion marks a milestone in the history of the Regiment, adding that previously, the Regiment Headquarters complex was deficient in office spaces and other complementary facilities needed in the Headquarters and to address the challenge he promptly committed the resources of the Regiment to execute the project.
He appreciated the COAS for his support.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the commemoration plaque.
While in Ijebu-Ode, Gen Lagbaja also paid a visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona Awujale of Ijebuland, where he informed the royal father that troops of the Nigerian Army conduct operations along the interchange between Ijebu-Ode and other parts of the South West.
He thanked the Awujale for mobilizing support for the troops in the conduct of their operations.
Responding, Oba Adetona, who described Nigeria as a beautiful country with enormous potential, encouraged the Ijebu youth to join the Army to serve their fatherland.
He urged the COAS to uphold truth and sincerity in his command of the NA in order to take it to greater height.
The royal father presented a book he authored, titled “Awujale: The Autobiography of Alaiyeluwa Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II” for the NA Library.
The courtesy visit was witnessed by the Obas in Council, Commander Corps of Engineers, some Principal Staff Officers as well as the General Officers Commanding 2, and 81 Divisions of the NA.
