COAS pledges improved living standards, conducive working environmental for personnel

DUTSE- The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged improved living standards and conducive working environment for personnel and their families.

Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, made the promise during inauguration of the Headquarters 26 Armoured Brigade Complex, Commander’s residence and a Medical Centre in Dutse on Wednesday.

“I’m indeed delighted to be here today for the commissioning of the newly constructed and equipped Headquarters 26 Armoured Brigade Complex and other projects in the Barracks, here in Dutse.

“Since assuming office, I’ve made deliberate efforts to improve the level of infrastructures in the various formations and units of the Nigerian Army across the country.

“This is aimed at improving the living standards of personnel and their families, while also providing a conducive working environment for them,” Oluyede said.

He explained that the execution of the projects showcased his commitment to excellent infrastructural development, adding that the new headquarters complex and other facilities would fulfil the administrative purposes for which they are built.

The COAS, who commended the Commander of the 26 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Teminere Mackintosh and his team, for their resolve at inspecting the projects, urged other formation commanders to emulate.

Oluyede also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance, untiring support and encouragement to the Nigerian Army.

“We appreciate Mr President for the confidence he always reposes in the Nigerian Army. I want to reassure the nation of the unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the president and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Oluyede assured.

Earlier, Mackintosh noted that the construction of projects, which commenced in Nov. 2024, was successfully completed in Feb. 2025.

He added that the projects were furnished and equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets to ensure their functionality at all times.

Mackintosh said the modern facilities symbolise the NA commitment to excellence, readiness and the well-being of its personnel, which is the hallmark of the COAS’s command philosophy.

The commander added that the facilities will go a long way in enhancing the personnel operational efficiency, improve their response capabilities and provide a conduct environment for troops and families to thrive.

In his remarks, Gov. Umar Namadi congratulated the 26 Armoured Brigade for putting such structures in the barracks.

Namadi, represented by his Special Advisor on Security Matters, Dr Muhammad Usman, pledged to build a school in the barracks.

He also pledged continued support and an enabling environment for the brigade to operate.

Highlights of the event included planting of assorted tree seedlings at the brigade’s orchard by the COAS, commander, heads of security  agencies in the state and other interested individuals that attended the event. (NAN)