COAS inaugurates projects to enhance operational training, welfare of troops in Enugu
Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has inaugurated four projects meant to enhance operational training and welfare of troops within Enugu State.
The projects inaugurated included: Lt.-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja Swimming Pool Complex and renovated four blocks of two-story building accommodation (two-room self-contain of 30 units each per block) within Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
Others are the remodeled GOC Guest House within GRA, Enugu and a remodeled senior officers’ residence (containing two standard flats, boys quarters and other facilities) situated at House 7 off Abakaliki Road, Enugu.
Speaking at the cantonment after the series of inauguration on Saturday, Lagbaja said that the projects especially the swimming pool would enhance training and troop efficiency in amphibian (water) operations.
According to him, it will also act as a recreational facility where one can come spend time after work hours.
“The projects inaugurated are demonstration of the Nigerian Army leadership resilience and stride to providing the best of training facilities and accommodation for its troops and officers.
“However, I want to remind you that ‘to whom much is given; much is expected’. I want you to redouble all efforts in your duties.
“We (the Nigerian Army authorities) will not stop in seeing that our troops and cherished personnel get the best in order to put in their best leading to exceptional results.
“I must commend the tenacity of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division for seeing to the completion of the swimming pool complex after I initiated it about two years ago as the GOC here,” he said.
The COAS appealed to the cantonment community to take ownership of the projects, adding: “I charge the cantonment community to see to their judicious and protective use.”
“The wave of renovations of blocks in the barrack (cantonment) is ongoing and it will touch all blocks. Please, if it has not got to your block, exercise patience,” he said.
The Army chief also lauded the cantonment community for keeping “the environment clean and welcoming”; while calling on wives of soldiers and officers to continue to support their spouses in the home front.
Earlier, the GOC of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, appreciated the COAS for initiating some of the inaugurated projects and providing the funding that led to their completion.
Dada said that the Division would upgrade and build capacity in its amphibian (water) operations within its Area of Responsibility (AoR) with the swimming pool complex.
“We are grateful for the COAS concern, funding and inauguration of benefiting accommodation for our families, soldiers and officers as well as crowning it all with the Olympic standard – Lt.-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja Swimming Pool Complex,” he said.
According to him, the Division will put the inaugurated facilities to judicious use as each will be jealously protected and given optimal maintenance henceforth.
High points of the series of inauguration were presentation of keys to some soldiers to the newly inaugurated block accommodation as well as entertainment swimming and presentation of a souvenir to the COAS.
