By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has identified poor maintenance culture and rapid urbanization as some of the challenges facing the Nigerian Army barracks across the country.
The Army Chief while commissioning of a transit accommodation for officers at the School Of Armour, Obiano Barracks, Bauchi, said that military authorities will continue to place more priorities to the welfare of officers and men in all its formations.
Buratai assured that the Military will strive to provide enough accommodation, as well as other welfare packages to create a conducive environment for the army to operate and meet its constitutional obligations.
He explained that military barracks which were located far outside towns at the time of their establishments were now in the midst of springing urban areas which, he said, is a new challenge to the military.
The Chief of Army Staff noted that the present successes being recorded by the military on many fronts was as a result of the efforts in improving their welfare.
The COAS also stated that army engineers are now fully engaged in the execution of all projects being undertaken unlike in the past when they are only engaged as advisers on projects.
He said that similar and other projects are ongoing in various places, revealing further that other projects are also in the pipeline which will kick off soonest.
General Buratai therefore called on the military to discharge their responsibilities with all sense of patriotism to protect the country and its citizens.
Buratai commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment in the area of providing the necessary support to discharge their responsibilities.
The Commandant of the School Of Armour, Obiano Barracks, Bauchi, Major General Austine O. Edokpaye had earlier in a welcome address, commended the Chief Of Army Staff for his various initiatives through various programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the military.
He recalled that the recent promotion of some officers has attested to the fact that the army chief wants to give more confidence to Nigerian military by appreciating their contributions in facing the present challenges.
Edokpaye said that by addressing the challenges of accommodation problems in military barracks across the nation, the military will not have the problem of movement from one place to another.
