By Odita Sunday, Abuja
The Nigerian army high command boss, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya today performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed army conference centre situated at Lungi Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
General Yahaya, who was elated over the construction of the facility, noted that on completing the project, the challenges faced by the Nigerian Army in securing ample space for meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars and lectures as well as hotel accommodation within the Federal Capital Territory would be assuaged.
The construction of the ultra-modern conference centre is being prosecuted by a renowned civil engineering giant in Abuja, Messrs Mouna Mo Construction Company.
According to Yahaya, hosting events in a high-quality venue such as the proposed centre will improve the public image of the Army and demonstrate its commitment to professionalism and excellence.
“Equally, renting out these facilities will generate revenue that will be used to offset the costs of maintenance and potentially fund other initiatives.
“I am particularly impressed with the progress of works ongoing at this site within this short period. Let me use this opportunity to reiterate my vision for the Nigerian Army which is “To build a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria” This Vision is centred on 4 cardinal pillars; namely Professionalism, Readiness, Administration and Cooperation.
“The attainment of this vision depends on decisive psychological influence on personnel willingness to fight, which is achievable through adequate concern for their welfare.
“This entails sound administration through purposeful welfare programmes for personnel and members of their families through enhancing their well-being. This belief has partly informed my drive in the construction and rehabilitation of numerous facilities across Nigerian Army formations and units which ranges from accommodation, office complexes, Forward Operating Bases, schools and other support facilities.
“These will shore up troops’ morale and well-being thereby enhancing their operational efficiency which remains my top priority.”
Coordinator Nigerian Army Special Projects, Major General ST Shafaru, lauded COAS these laudable projects and numerous others he has undertaken nationwide.
He said: “As we speak, the construction of Infantry Corps Officers’ Mess, Conference Centre and Dining Halls are currently ongoing at Jaji. Equally, this facility which the ground breaking ceremony is taking place today will add to the array of projects executed by the Chief of Army Staff.
“The Conference Centre will provide ample space for increased engagement and promote social interaction within the Nigerian Army especially here in Abuja. Furthermore, when fully operational, it would be capable of extending its services to the civil populace in addition to its primary functions. It is worthy of note that this Conference Centre is strategically located near major landmarks in the Abuja metropolis for easy accessibility.”
Managing Director of Mouna Mo Construction, Eng. Umar Mohammed pledged to deliver a world class conference centre for the army in record time.
Source: The Guardian
