By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Tuesday unveiled staff quarters for Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), designed to host the Commandant and Deputy Commandant’s houses and other staff.

The quarters are also hosting the Directors and Directing Staff Quarters, Regimental Sergeant Major’s house, Senior Non-Commissioned quarters and soldiers’ blocks amongst others.

Also inaugurated, is the first of the three proposed blocks of the soldiers’ accommodation.

While inaugurating the quarters, Yahaya said the project being inaugurated, was a testament of the focused, hard work and judicious management of resources by the College management.

He commended the immediate past Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa, for conceptualising and resourcing the project from onset, without recourse to Army Headquarters, until it was deemed necessary to ensure its delivery.

Yahaya also hailed Udounwa for being mindful of the welfare of staff and prioritising the accommodation of soldiers with the gigantic project.

He also commended the current commandant, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, for ensuring that the project was completed, urging officers and soldiers imbibe such spirit and zeal towards ensuring that it was secured.

“I have no doubt that this project will not only improve the welfare of the troops, but will also heighten their faith in the Nigerian army, as a system that had their interest, and that of their families at heart.

“My vision is to have “a professional Nigerian Army, ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”, he said.

The COAS said the project spoke volumes of the commitment of the army, to the peace, security and prosperity of the nation, in conjunction with other agencies which the college also trains annually, to improve operational outcomes.

The Commandant, AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Alabi, said the project was a sign of the transformational leadership of the COAS, and evidence of the magnanimous support of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerian army.

He said the edifice would serve as an affirmation of the COAS’ efforts to continuously address the welfare of soldiers and their families

“From makeshift office facilities at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and using the Army Command Guest House as participants’ accommodation, the College has evolved into a globally acclaimed centre of excellence with good ambience and facilities for learning”, he said.

He commended his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Udounwa, for the visionary concept to align the college with best practices as seen all over the world. (NAN)

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