The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Saturday in Calabar charged Commanders of Army Formations and Units nationwide to accord attention to the welfare of personnel under their command.
Buratai, who gave the charge after inaugurating four blocks of 36 flats for soldiers in the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army barracks, Akim in Calabar, said welfare was important for the personnel and their families.
He recalled that he had directed in November, 2016 that befitting houses be built for the soldiers after he found out that they had been living in make shift structures known as “Bacha.”
The COAS said make shift structures were not pleasant for soldiers to live in, recounting how uncomfortable it was for him when he lived in such structure as senior officer in Lagos between 1988 and 1990.
Buratai said he had directed that all the make shift structures in the barracks be demolished for the construction of befitting accommodation for the soldiers.
According to Buratai, similar exercise is ongoing in barracks across the country.
Meanwhile, the Cross River Government has donated N20 million to provide furniture in the 36 flats and others to be constructed in the barracks.
Gov. Ben Ayade, who witnessed the inauguration of the houses, announced the donation.
Ayade also said that the state government would construct one block of flats in the barrack for soldiers.
He said soldiers, who lay down their lives for others to live should be accommodated in decent houses.
Brig. Gen. Bulama Biu, the Commander of the Brigade, thanked the army chief for approving and releasing funds for the project.
Biu said initially, the soldiers did not believe that the project would come to reality, having lived in bacha all along. (NAN) GNO/JEY/EEE
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