By Onyema Nwachukwu
(Brigadier General, Director Army Public Relations)
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has performed Ground-breaking/foundation laying for the construction of Abdul Samad Rabiu Corporal and Below Quarters at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri Abuja.
The ceremony, which took place today Thursday 9 November 2023 is part of efforts to provide conducive housing units for personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The Housing project under the auspices of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa) is the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility extended to the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Army Chief expressed gratitude to ASR Africa under the leadership of the Chairman BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and his management team for their laudable gesture in supporting the Nigeria Army to meet its accommodation needs.
He added that the project will contribute to addressing the huge infrastructure deficit, the Nigerian Army is currently facing in Abuja.
The COAS said the Army under his leadership, will continue to prioritize the welfare of personnel as crystalized in the third beam of his Command Philosophy, which is to provide Sound Administration and support to the home front of personnel as a major pillar.
General Lagbaja observed that stakeholders cannot afford to leave the burden of national security to the government alone, and called on other corporate organisations to emulate ASR Africa, and support the government in meeting some of the essential needs of the security agencies.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tireless support to the Nigerian Army and the members of the National Assembly for their understanding and goodwill since the inception of the 10th Assembly.
The Chairman BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who was represented by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh said that ASR Africa is a philanthropic firm established to intervene and create development solutions in the area of health, education and social development.
He stated that through the security sector support grant, the firm was able to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the country, noting that the management is pleased with the Nigerian Army for utilizing the grant allocated for infrastructural development.
The Chief Executive Officer, stated that the contribution of ASR Africa is an indication of its commitment to development solutions in Nigeria and in Africa in general.
Highlights of the ceremony were the foundation laying for the construction of 120 units of Corporal and Below Quarters by the COAS and presentation of souvenir.