Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Friday inaugurated some new projects at the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos.
Some of inaugurated projects include; 2,000 capacity sports complex pavilion, two blocks of 30 flats for personnel from ranks of corporal and below, accommodation for the division’s garrison Regimented Sergeant Major, remodeled quarter guard, among others.
Inaugurating the projects separately, Lagbaja said the gesture was aimed at improving the welfare of army personnel and their families within the cantonment.
The COAS also explained that the gesture was part of activities commemorating the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration (NADCEL).
The Nigerian Army boss, who reiterated his commitment to the welfare of personnel, said that a conducive accommodation for personnel would promote optimal performance.
“I have moved round our barracks, accommodation for soldiers and their families is appalling; so we will continue to improve these facilities within available resources.
“When the thought of hosting this year’s NADCEL in this cantonment came up, we felt the need to use the occasion to kick-start infrastructure renewal here.
“Welfare of our troops and their families forms part of my command’s philosophy, and we will continue to pursue it vigorously,” Lagbaja said.
Similarly, as part of activities lined up for the NADCEL, the Nigerian Army also had organised a golf tournament holding at the Rhino Golf Club, Jos.
Speaking shortly after the tea-off (Golf tournament kick-off), Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, thanked the COAS for organising the competition.
Adeosun, who reeled out the importance of golf game to the military, said that the tournament would afford both serving and retired military personnel and other golfers to interact.
Also speaking, Sen. Simon Lalong, the immediate past governor of Plateau and an ardent golfer, called on Nigerians to promote the game at all levels.