The minister of defence, Muhammed Badaru, has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the welfare and well-being of members of the armed forces of Nigeria.

Mr Badaru gave the assurance on Monday while inaugurating block of flats built to accommodate personnel of the National Defence College (NDC) at Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

“This accommodation is a tangible expression of our gratitude and recognition of their dedication, as this new living space will serve as a comfortable and secure space for our personnel and their families.

“Let us continue to work together to ensure that our armed forces are equipped not only with tools but also with the support and infrastructure they require.

“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the service of our nation.

“This accommodation will be a place where you find rest, strength and companionship derived from serving the nation,” he said.

The minister commended successive administrations of the college for bringing the project to reality and congratulated the commandant and the college community for their contributions towards its realisation.

He urged Nigerians to stand united in support of the military that had remained undaunted in defending the nation’s freedom.

The commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the inauguration of the houses was the culmination of the lofty efforts of his predecessors, retired Rear Adm. Oladele Daji and Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, the 18th and 19th Commandants of the college.

Mr Olotu said the project was conceptualised and started by Mr Daji and completed by Mr Bashir while he undertook the landscaping and water reticulation.

He said the houses would alleviate the shortage of staff housing in the college and enhance their productivity.

“Accordingly, the entire college community remains indebted to the two past commandants for their foresight and resolve in constructing this building.

“I would like to also, on behalf of the college community, express our profound gratitude to all eminent personalities who have contributed to this project.

“Your efforts, resilience and dedication have produced not just this building but have provided a haven that honours our personnel,” he said.

The commandant thanked the former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao for donating the entire furniture in the building.

According to him, it is for this reason that the College Committee decided to honour him by naming the building after him.

(NAN)