The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, recently commissioned the 50 housing units, located at the PHDL Pacesetter Estate 4, Akobo, Ibadan. The project was undertaken by the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited and Family Homes Funds Limited. Shuaibu described the project as a practical expression of appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who died in service to the nation.
The houses, comprising 30 two-bedroom flats and bungalows and 20 three-bedroom bungalows, were provided under the Post-Housing Army Scheme. The scheme offers housing units to soldiers under a subsidized ownership arrangement, with the Army bearing 80 percent of the cost and serving soldiers contributing the remaining 20 percent. This initiative aims to provide stability and dignity for the beneficiaries and create an environment where their children can grow and families can rebuild their lives.
Shuaibu commended Family Homes Funds Limited for the initiative and its commitment to supporting the welfare of military personnel and their families. He also appreciated the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited for its role in completing the project. The Army chief assured the beneficiaries that the Nigerian Army remained mindful of the sacrifices made by their loved ones and would continue to explore practical interventions to recognize their sacrifices and provide meaningful support.
The development includes 5 percent of the completed housing units reserved for personnel who sustained injuries in battle, allocated to them free of charge. Lance Corporal Olufemi Olalekan, a soldier injured in battle, received a key to his own house during the commissioning event. Shuaibu urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the houses and maintain them responsibly, while also calling on residents of the community to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and a strong sense of community.
The Executive Director, Operations, Family Homes Funds Limited, Dr. Henry Emeka Inegbu, expressed appreciation to the partners whose commitment made the 50-unit housing project possible. He disclosed that each of the 50 two-bedroom detached bungalows was equipped with a solar home system and connected streetlights, while industrial boreholes and a water reticulation system were provided to ensure access to clean water across the estate.
A skill acquisition program will be implemented for the beneficiaries, particularly the women, to equip them with economic skills and promote self-reliance alongside home ownership. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Kevin Ukandu, appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for providing the strategic leadership and enabling environment that facilitated the project.
The commissioning of the 50 housing units is a testament to the Nigerian Army's commitment to the welfare of serving personnel, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. The project demonstrates what can be achieved when government agencies collaborate towards a common objective.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army has commissioned 50 housing units for widows and families of fallen military personnel in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- The project was undertaken by the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited and Family Homes Funds Limited.
- The houses were provided under the Post-Housing Army Scheme, which offers housing units to soldiers under a subsidized ownership arrangement.
