The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the importance of adequate welfare as a key factor in boosting the morale of troops, particularly those engaged in front-line operations.

Speaking during an interactive session with defence correspondents at the Headquarters of the Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) in Abuja, the COAS emphasised that soldiers who are assured of a decent post-service life are better motivated to give their best while in active service.

General Oluyede, who was represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the PHDL, Major General Isaiah Allison, stated: “For an officer or a soldier to know that he or she will be retiring into a good home of his or her own boosts morale and there can’t be a better way of taking care of their welfare.”

General Oluyede stated that his mission philosophy is to ensure that there is a post-service home for the soldiers who work tirelessly to ensure the country’s security.

He added that the Post-Service Housing Development scheme aligns with his newly launched “Soldier First” concept.
He said, “The scheme does not just offer homes to soldiers, but an affordable one. This flagship programme is about an affordable home ownership option for all soldiers.”

He noted that this will help achieve one major aspect of his philosophy, which is to have soldiers who are well-motivated and combat-ready.

“Of course, the soldiers are doing their job, and we want them, upon retirement, to have homes to move into. They should not be encumbered or disturbed by that feeling of where they will stay after the service,” General Oluyede said.