The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for prioritising the welfare of officers and men as part of efforts to strengthen peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday during a courtesy and condolence visit to Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the state government for constructing and handing over newly completed residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army’s 16 Brigade in Elebele, noting that the project would significantly ease accommodation challenges faced by officers and men of the brigade.
The army chief explained that the visit also formed part of his maiden operational tour of the 6 Division’s area of responsibility, which includes Bayelsa State, to assess the combat readiness of troops deployed in the region. He further commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family over a recent bereavement.
According to him, the housing project comprises nine units of three-bedroom flats and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges confronting the brigade. It will be a great relief to the Nigerian Army and will further boost morale among our personnel,” Shaibu said.
Responding, Governor Diri thanked the Chief of Army Staff for acknowledging the state’s contribution to enhancing security and safeguarding lives and property.
The governor lauded the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for what he described as their high level of professionalism and sacrifice in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for the sacrifices you make daily to keep Nigeria safe and secure. As a government, we appreciate and understand the risks you take for our collective security,” Diri said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued support for security agencies, stressing that providing a conducive environment for them remained a priority.
“I am pleased that we were able to start and complete these buildings. As rightly noted, they will help ease accommodation pressures within the 16 Brigade, and we will continue to support our security agencies in every way we can,” the governor added.