The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday inaugurated 80 units of accommodation in Jos for retired soldiers.

The COAS said that the initiative, under the “Affordable Home Ownership Options for All Soldiers,” was facilitated by the Post Service Housing Development Ltd (PHD).

He said that the houses comprised 22 two-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom newly constructed houses.

He said the other houses comprised 21 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom houses renovated to standard of new structures.

Mr Shaibu said that the move was to promote the welfare of both serving and retired army personnel.

He said that 25 per cent of the houses would be reserved for civilians and five per cent for retired personnel who secured permanent injuries on war fronts.

“Specifically, our goal is to ensure that the years of dedicated service of these retired soldiers to our nation are rewarded with security and dignity of homeownership.

“Having devoted the best years of their lives to the defence of our beloved nation, they deserve a place to proudly call home. Hence, this feeling is a practical demonstration of our commitment to the long-term welfare of our personnel and their families.

“Seventy-five per cent of these houses are going to the retired soldiers and 25 per cent has been earmarked for civilians so that they can be socially integrated into full service life. Five per cent of these housing units have been devoted to soldiers whose careers were either cut short or badly wounded in action,” he said.

The COAS said that the retired officials made tremendous sacrifices in the defence of the nation, adding that they deserve army support and collective gratitude.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support towards improving the welfare of army personnel.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PHD, Isaiah Allison, commended the COAS for the initiative, saying it was timely.

He said that 60 similar houses had been inaugurated in Ibadan and 40 in Benin City, while 120 in Abuja had been completed and would soon be put to use.

“The one-bedrooms will go for N7 million, the two-bedrooms will cost N12 million, while the three-bedrooms is for N16 million.

“This will be paid over a period in the mortgage option; the amount is worth a third of the construction cost,” Mr Allison said. 

(NAN)