The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to soldiers’ welfare by inaugurating the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) estate.

The estate’s inauguration and that of a shopping complex were done in Ibadan on Friday.

Mr Shaibu stated that the projects were part of deliberate efforts of the Nigerian Army (NA) to address the post-service housing needs of personnel and improve their overall quality of life.

He added that access to decent housing was a critical component of troop welfare.

The COAS said the AHOOAS scheme was conceived to enable serving soldiers to acquire affordable and decent homes in locations of their choice.

According to him, the idea is to give them homes they can comfortably retire into after years of service to the nation.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our resolve to place the welfare of the Nigerian soldier at the centre of our policies and actions.

“A soldier who is assured of his future is better motivated to give his best in the defence of the nation,” he said.

He recalled that the pilot phase of the AHOOAS project in Idu, Abuja, delivered over 400 housing units, now fully occupied by soldiers and their families.

Mr Shaibu said the Ibadan project was part of the expansion of the scheme to other parts of the country.

He disclosed that similar projects were at various stages of completion in Benin, Jos and Abuja.

He, however, said that plans were underway to fast-track home ownership for the Warrant Officers’ cadre of the NA.

He paid tributes to the late former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for initiating the housing scheme, promising that the current leadership would build on the foundation he laid.

He also commended the Oyo State government for supporting military formations in the state.

He then urged other state governments to key into the initiative by allocating land for the scheme in their respective states.

He said the Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) shopping complex in Eleyele, Ibadan, would complement the housing estate by providing essential services, supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy.

The COAS appreciated the management of the PHDL and partner organisations for their professionalism in delivering the projects.

He said that the NA remained open to credible public-private partnerships that would enhance personnel welfare.

Mr Shaibu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support of the Armed Forces, reaffirming the army’s commitment to actualising the president’s vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

He assured residents of Oyo State of the army’s sustained cooperation with civil authorities in promoting peace and security across the state and the country at large.

In his remarks, the managing director, PHDL, Maj.-Gen. Isaiah Allison, said 30 out of the 60 inaugurated housing units would be for senior soldiers, and the remaining for junior soldiers.

Mr Allison said that five per cent of the housing units would be dedicated to soldiers badly injured in battle, with a 70 per cent discount.

22 shops were inaugurated at Eleyele.

The event was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was represented by the commissioner for lands and urban development, William Akin-Fumilayo.

Others include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, senior officers from the defence and army headquarters, general officers commanding, heads of army establishments, serving and retired officers.

 (NAN)