The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has challenged commanders under the division to make their leadership count by delivering projects that improve operational efficiency, enhance troop welfare and leave measurable results in their units.

The GOC gave the charge during the commissioning of several strategic infrastructural projects at the Headquarters, 81 Division Garrison, Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Lagos.

The projects include the renovation of the Arm Store, the Commanding Officer’s Administrative Office, the Garrison Commander’s Office, the Personal Assistant’s Office and the Commander’s Waiting Room.

Also commissioned were the refurbished Garrison Headquarters Complex, a renovated Training Shed and the groundbreaking for a modern children’s playground within the barracks.

Commending the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, Major General Babalola described the projects as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to improving both operational readiness and the welfare of personnel.

He said the initiatives align with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldier First Culture” command philosophy, which places the well-being and morale of soldiers at the heart of military leadership.

He reminded commanders that leadership should be measured by visible achievements, declaring, “Every month, I must see the impact of what you are doing in your units and formations.”

According to him, the proposed children’s playground reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of military families, while the renovated Arm Store will strengthen accountability and operational preparedness.

He also urged officers and soldiers to properly maintain the facilities, stressing that infrastructure can only remain valuable through discipline, responsibility and professionalism.
Earlier, Brigadier General Getso said the projects were undertaken to improve the Garrison’s operational effectiveness and create a better working and living environment for personnel.

He disclosed that the children’s playground would provide a safe recreational space for children residing in the barracks and would be named the Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola Children’s Playground in recognition of the GOC’s leadership and support.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his strategic leadership and unwavering support.
He thanked the GOC, former Garrison Commanders, friends of the barracks, officers and soldiers for their contributions to the successful execution of the projects.

The ceremony was attended by Formation Commanders, former Commanders of the 81 Division Garrison, senior officers and other distinguished guests.

It concluded with the inspection of the newly commissioned facilities, the groundbreaking ceremony for the children’s playground, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.