Esther Salifu
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is encouraging Nigerian Army troops to utilize the available loan and housing schemes to secure their own homes after retiring from service.
He disclosed this during his maiden Operational visit to the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Charimaigumeri Barracks lokoja.
He said the initiative is part of the Army’s efforts to enhance soldiers’ welfare and provide them with a better quality of life.
Oluyede commended the troops for their good job and sacrifice in maintaining national security, defending the country’s sovereignty, and upholding its interests.
“As my own philosophy, I am going to do my very best to make things better for you and by extension the officers under us, so that we can have a better Army, better welfare and better life for you and your families”.
He also urged the troops of the Nigerian Army to make the country safer and more secure to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
In his words he stated that” If there is no security, there can’t be development, so it is a collective responsibility to make Nigeria safer and more secure so that Nigeria can develop and your children can have a better country to live in.”
He emphasized the need for more commitment, sense of duty, responsibility, and courage from the troops, given the current security challenges in the Northwest, Northeast, North Central, and other parts of the country.
Oluyede also reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of soldiers and their families, recognizing their sacrifices and commitment to the nation.
He highlighted some of the initiatives under his leadership, which include ,
Doubling of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and Instructors’ allowance.
“This is to improve the welfare of soldiers and their families , Affordable Housing Scheme To enable soldiers to have their own houses after retirement, and the construction of Infrastructure, including an electrically powered borehole, foundation laying for senior non-commission officers’ quarters, and upgrading of the 12 Brigade Medical Centre.”
Oluyede emphasized the importance of security and development, stating that “if there’s no security, development cannot happen.
