FG Committed to Welfare of Armed Forces Personnel, Says Defence Minister

*Building named after ex-air force chief

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has declared the commitment of the federal government to the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Badaru spoke at the inauguration of 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”, he said.
The minister commended military personnel for the sacrifice made for the security of the nation.
“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.
“This project is a demonstration of our commitment to the well being of our personnel.
“We reflect on sacrifices made by our personnel and this project is in appreciation of our cherished personnel. May the accomodation be a place where you find rest”, he said.
He lauded 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.
Badaru urged the citizenry to stand united in support of the military that had remained undaunted in defending the nation’s freedom.
Earlier in his remarks, rhe Commandant of NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the inauguration of the building facility was the culmination of the lofty efforts of his predecessors, notably Rear Admiral Oladele Daji (rtd) and Rear Admiral Murtala Bashir (rtd) the 18th and 19th Commandants of the college.
Olotu said the project was conceptualised and started by Daji and completed by Bashir while he undertook the landscaping and water reticulation.
He stated that the accomodation 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”, he said.
“Your efforts, resilience and dedication have produced not just this building but have provided a haven that honours our personnel,” he said.
He thanked all eminent personalities who contributed to building especially the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladao Amao (rtd), for donating the entire furniture for the building while he served as air force chief hence the decision to name the building “AO Amao Block”.