The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated his commitment to prioritising troops’ welfare as a fundamental enabler of operational effectiveness.

He emphasised that functional infrastructure directly impacts morale, discipline, and combat readiness across formations and units of the Nigerian Army.

General Shaibu spoke through the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, during the commissioning of significant infrastructural projects at 192 Battalion (Rear), Owode–Yewa, Ogun State.

The projects were executed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in deliberate implementation of his Command Philosophy anchored on Sound Administration and the Soldier First Concept.

The interventions were strategically designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen the Battalion’s security architecture, and significantly improve the welfare and living conditions of officers, soldiers, their families, and the host community.

In his remarks, the GOC expressed his profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership, sustained infrastructural drive, and consistent investment in personnel welfare across the Nigerian Army.

He also conveyed his deepest appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support of the Nigerian Army and continued commitment to strengthening national security institutions.

General Babalola noted that the President’s strategic guidance and enabling support have created the framework within which transformative initiatives such as these are being actualised.

The GOC commended the Commanding Officer, 192 Battalion (Rear), Major SI Usman, for his diligent supervision, accountability, and prudent resource management, which ensured the successful execution of the projects.

He urged the unit to institutionalise a strong maintenance culture to preserve the facilities and sustain their long-term value.
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu,
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commanding Officer 192 Battalion (Rear), Major SI Usman, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for approving and executing the projects in the Battalion.

He explained that the interventions were deliberately targeted at addressing critical security, accommodation, and medical support gaps within the unit.

He assured the GOC that the facilities would be judiciously utilised and properly maintained to maximise their operational and welfare benefits.

The commissioned projects include the fencing of the Battalion Arms Store to enhance security and accountability; construction of a new Guard House; upgrade of the Medical Reception Station; renovation of the Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence; construction of quarters for ten Corporals and Below; installation of a solar-powered water point for the Support Company; establishment of five additional sentry posts to strengthen perimeter security; and construction of new Married Officers’ Quarters.

In his goodwill message, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Rev.) Akindele Mathew Sunday, the Olu of Owode–Yewa, conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of the Owode–Yewa community to the Chief of Army Staff for the remarkable infrastructural development in the area. He acknowledged the hospital project as a transformative initiative that will significantly enhance healthcare delivery for both the military personnel and members of the host community.

The royal father further commended the harmonious civil–military relationship existing between the Battalion and the community.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander 49 Army Mapping and Survey Command, Brigadier General P Kulawe, the Olu of Owode-Yewa, HRM Oba Rev Akindele Mathew Sunday and his White Cap Chiefs, entourage of the GOC, representatives of heads of sister security agencies, senior officers, members of NAOWA and NASWA, as well as soldiers of 192 Battalion (Rear), among others.