By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards providing physical and psychological care for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar have performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Invictus Centre, in Abuja.
General Musa noted that the occasion marks another significant step in the nation’s journey to enhance provision of comprehensive care for the brave men and women who have endured physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
Launching the construction of the state-of-the-art facility, he stressed, will ensure the physical and mental well-being of Nigeria military personnel.
He said “As we all know, the military profession is one of the most demanding and perilous careers in the world. It requires not only physical strength and technical expertise but also mental resilience, emotional fortitude, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“It is therefore essential for our societies to recognize and honor their sacrifices, provide adequate support for their physical and mental well-being, and ensure its veterans are cared for after service.
“The invictus Center is thus designed to offer innovative rehabilitation programs for experts in military medicine and psychology. This programs will focus on holistic recovery, addressing both physical injuries sustained during service as well as mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
“The center will therefore serve as a sanctuary where our soldiers and veterans can receive medical treatment and psychological support tailored to their unique medical challenges.”
The choice of this location, he said, took cognizance of the strategic disposition of existing landmarks, including the presence of military facilities, sufficient space for future expansion, and proximity to the airport.
He also noted that the location will enable challenged individuals from outside the Federal Capital Territory to easily access the facility without having to go through the city center.
“Equally, this center will not operate in isolation but partner with our other medical facilities, non-governmental organizations, and other internal bodies dedicated to veteran affairs.
“With these partnerships, we will create an environment that promotes understanding, compassion, and support for those who have sacrificed so much.” he stated
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the military and the Special Guests of Honor, the Honorable Minister of Defense, Badaru Abubakar for his constant support and guidance.
Gen Musa added “Our profound gratitude goes to the Invictus Foundation, who are the sole partners with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to achieve this project.
“I wish to specifically also thank the Service Chiefs, the Chief of Army, the Chief of Navy, and the Chief of Air Force for the continual support we continue to enjoy. Together we shall make this a reality.
“I also want to seize the opportunity to thank my staff who have worked tirelessly to make the groundbreaking ceremony a success, but most importantly to thank our own Lieutenant General T.Y. Danjuma, retired, who has contributed immensely to ensuring that we’re able to start this and has promised to support all the way through.
“We also gratefully appreciate the effort of the Past Service Chiefs, especially General Irabo, who muted this PTSD center and started the construction. I want to assure him that we’re going to leverage on that to ensure that this is completed.
“As we perform this groundbreaking ceremony, let it symbolize not just buildings, but a sanctuary of hope, healing, and empowerment for our wounded, injured, and sick personnel. I hail you all. Your sacrifices will not go in vain.
“We remain very proud of what you have done. I will continue to support you. May this moment also reflect our resolve to work together and to bring this vision to realization.
“Let this center remain a beacon of support and resilience where our heroes can rebuild their lives, rediscover their strengths, and reintegrate into the society with dignity and purpose.
“Finally, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have made this project possible, our partners, donors, and international community. Your unwavering support and collaboration have brought us to this historic moment.
“Lastly, let me, on behalf of the officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, reaffirm our absolute and unflinching loyalty to our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the support he has given to members of the Armed Forces.
“Your Excellency, we remain utterly grateful for your keen interest in the welfare and well-being of all military personnel, in and out of service. The Invictus Center Abuja, Nigeria, will surely become one of the lasting legacies of the Renewed Hope Agenda.” he stated.
On his part, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the project marks a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of service men and development of sports and recreation in Nigeria.
“Today, we are not just breaking grounds for building, we are laying the foundation for hope, dreams, future healings and restoration as well.
“Supports play a critical role in our society, it unites and empower individual as well as foster sense of belonging at all levels.”
The center, the Minister noted, is the first of its kind in Africa.
“It’s an initiative aimed at providing a state of the art facility that will aid rehabilitation and psychological recovery of the wounded, injured, sick officers and soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Our soldiers are the fillers of our nation’s security and freedom. They face unimaginable challenges, force on international battle fields and here at home. Some return with both visible and invisible scars and many were sacrifices that cannot be mentioned.
“In line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this center will give hope for recovery and reintegration of our gallant troops. This center will not only serve as a hope for training but as a place for health and wellness programs, social development through sports among others.
“As we begin this construction, let us remember that this center represents not just bricks and mortar but inspiration of our people. It signifies our resilience, dedication and our omniscient belief in the potential of our nation.” he stated.
Nigeria, Armed Forces of Nigeria, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Gen Christopher Musa, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Invictus Centre, News