The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Aneke, on Tuesday inaugurated two accommodation blocks and a multipurpose sports complex for airmen and airwomen, aimed at improving their standard of living.

Mr Aneke said that providing a conducive living environment for personnel and their families would enhance their ability to give their best in the discharge of their duties.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of the facilities at 055 NAFCAMP, Legico Barracks, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The projects inaugurated include two blocks of 24 two-bedroom flats, one block of 40 one-bedroom flats, and a purpose-built sports complex.

The CAS noted that the projects reflected his deliberate and sustained commitment to personnel welfare, which remained a central pillar of his command philosophy.

“My command philosophy is to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.

“These facilities represent a significant departure from the traditional barrack concept to which we have long been used to and accustomed to.

“Distinguished by thoughtful architectural design and executed to the highest standards of construction, they stand as a remarkable edifice, both functional in purpose and pleasing in appearance,” he said.

Mr Aneke insisted that the barrack should be maintained exclusively for airmen and airwomen, indicating that the welfare of the personnel be given the highest priority.

“Furthermore, the strategic location of Legico barracks within Lagos State enhances its status as one of the most desirable and dignified residential environments for service personnel anywhere in the country,” the CAS said.

Mr Aneke complimented the immediate CAS, Hasan Abubakar (retd), for initiating the project which he had come to complete and bring into reality.

“This set of buildings did not appear from nowhere. It took the mind, brain and time of Abubakar, who is strategic and forward-thinking, to bring a new concept that we all must continue to build upon.

“I’m only coming in to take the glory, but he has done all the sweats. He has done everything possible; therefore, I give honour to whom honour is due,” he said.

The CAS added that the timely completion was deliberately prioritised under his administration in line with his unwavering commitment to improving the living and working conditions of NAF personnel.

“Adequate housing significantly reduces welfare-related pressure, promotes stability on the home front and enables our personnel to devote their full attention to assigned operational duties.

“You cannot function properly if you don’t have the right housing, and I know how it feels when you are posted and your family is not comfortable.

“So, we will do everything possible to ensure that your families are comfortable enough for you to give us your best,” he said.

Mr Aneke urged personnel who occupied and utilised the facility to uphold the highest standards of discipline and responsibility.

He said that the facility was well thought-out and planned with the highest standards, and that one could not grow-up in such an environment without behaving like an “ajebutter” (privileged person)

“So, I am going to come visiting next time I am in Lagos, and I expect you to use these structures with care and a strong sense of ownership.

“Please use this structure as if it’s your own house, reflecting a culture of maintenance and pride in our living and working environment.

“Let these facilities remain a source of comfort, dignity, and motivation for both present and future occupants,” the CAS said.

Mr Aneke said that the inauguration would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the federal government and the leadership of the National Assembly, whose fiscal interventions made these projects achievable.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Nigerian Air Force.

He said, “We remain fully committed to being critical stakeholders in the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for a safe, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.”

 (NAN)