By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that improving the welfare of troops remains central to enhancing the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness, as he commissioned newly constructed accommodation blocks for soldiers at the 6 Division, Port Harcourt.
According to Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the accommodation blocks were inaugurated on Friday, July 3, as part of the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of personnel and their families.
Speaking during the commissioning, the COAS said providing decent, secure and conducive accommodation for soldiers remains a strategic priority because it directly impacts morale and operational performance.
«”Providing decent, secure and conducive accommodation for personnel and their families remains a strategic priority. Improved living conditions directly enhance morale, strengthen operational readiness and improve administrative efficiency in the discharge of constitutional responsibilities,” he said.»
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the welfare of personnel remains a critical factor in the Army’s ability to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
«”A well-motivated and adequately cared-for soldier is better positioned to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and respond effectively to emerging security challenges.”»
He added that sustained investment in personnel welfare is indispensable to building a more professional, resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
«”Sustained investment in personnel welfare is a critical enabler of a more professional, resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army.”»
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army.
«”The continued support and provision of resources by the Commander-in-Chief have strengthened personnel welfare, enhanced operational effectiveness and reinforced the Nigerian Army’s capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate in support of national security.”»
The commissioning of the new accommodation blocks forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve soldiers’ welfare, boost morale and strengthen operational readiness under the Army’s “Soldier First” policy.
Troops’ Welfare Key to Winning Security Fight, Says COAS as He Commissions New Soldiers’ Quarters in Port Harcourt
