The Nigerian Army has handed over houses to 20 wounded-in-action soldiers in Abuja as part of its commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, presented the keys to the houses on Wednesday during the commissioning of 400 housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Phase 1 in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged other branches of the Armed Forces to emulate the Nigerian Army by providing housing solutions for personnel. He commended the AHOOAS initiative as a testament to the vision of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, who prioritized the welfare of soldiers.
General Musa also praised Lt-Gen. Oluyede for ensuring the project’s continuity and promised further housing development for interested subscribers.
“The importance of owning a decent shelter in a soldier’s life cannot be overstated as it promises stability, security, and peace of mind, enabling them to focus fully on their duties,” General Musa said.
The Chief of Defence Staff noted that the housing project aligns with the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Scheme championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that such projects not only improve personnel welfare but also contribute to national development by fostering security and socio-economic benefits.
“By prioritizing infrastructure and development, the Nigerian Army continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building,” General Musa said, calling on state governors to allocate land for similar projects across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Lt-Gen. Oluyede reiterated his commitment to ensuring that soldiers’ welfare remains a priority. He described the project as a landmark achievement in addressing housing challenges for military personnel and their families.
“The objective is primarily to support the dream of every soldier to acquire suitable and befitting post-service living accommodation in their location of choice,” he said.
The Idu, Abuja phase of the AHOOAS project was completed in just 15 months through direct labor and will house 400 subscribers and their families. Lt-Gen. Oluyede added that subsequent phases of the project will be executed in Benin City, Ibadan, and Uyo.
General Musa concluded by encouraging all states to support the Nigerian Army’s housing initiatives by allocating land. He highlighted the importance of enabling soldiers to own homes in their geopolitical zones, fostering stronger connections to their communities.
The AHOOAS project underscores the Nigerian Army’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its personnel while enhancing its role in nation-building.
