Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said the Federal Government has concluded plans to construct barracks for the armed forces personnel serving in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The barracks, to be named after President Muhammadu Buhari, will be located at Giri, near Gwagwalada, in the FCT.
Dan-Ali, who disclosed this when he commissioned 270 blocks of two and three bedroom flats constructed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), at thee weekend, said construction will commence next year.
He said the decision by Federal Government to construct the barracks was to motivate military personnel to effectively carry out their duties of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
Aside the FCT, he also disclosed that government would also construct more military barracks in some states of the federation.
While describing the military profession as a challenging career, he decried the situation where some armed forces personnel were forced to live outside the barracks, which he said exposes them to dangers. He also said the non availability of adequate accommodation for military personnel serving in the FCT, was affecting the regimental life of soldiers which is not good for the profession.
The minister, who commended personnel of the armed forces for their selfless service to the government and the nation, said: “In order to ensure the personnel effectiveness, governments of every nation often look for ways of motivating their armed forces. One of such motivational measures is through the provision of welfare packages. Some of these packages include decent barracks accommodation, medical and loans schemes amongst others.’’
He called on officers and men of the Armed Forces to rise to the challenges of collective action for national unity and security of the country. “We must not rest on our oars, remember, to whom much is given, much is expected.”
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, said the construction of the building was necessitated by the creation of new departments and bureau at the (DHQ), which automatically led to the increase of more personnel with no decent shelter to call their home.
He said the accommodation, which is well furnished and equipped with intercom system, alternative sources of power, CCTV and free wireless services, among others, would further boost personnel’s morale to give in their best in their assigned duties.
|Sun
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