By Evelyn Usman

As part of precautionary measures taken to curtail the spread of Corona Virus in Military barracks , the Chief of Army Staff, COAS  Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai , Tuesday,  commissioned two blocks of 78 flats,  at the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army,  Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos ,  in order  to decongest the barracks of officers who are squatting.

In the same vein, construction and renovation  works on dilapidated buildings for soldiers ,  according to the COAS, were still ongoing.

The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding GOC  81 Division, Major General Johnson Irefin, ordered the concerned officers within the ranks of Lieutenant and Major, to immediately take over their respective flats. He was however quick to add that those who  occupied  the flats before the renovation work began  last year , were entitled to them, except  those posted out.

Describing the event as another epoch making ceremony in the annals of the  Ikeja cantonment, he noted that it was the third time accommodation facilities would be commissioned there.

He said, ”  There is another  ongoing renovation of four blocks. Construction of accommodation for soldiers is also ongoing.

Noting that the COAS had been generous to the division , he urged officers and men to remain dedicated and loyal by  making efforts to maintain their accommodations.

He said, “They are your houses, they are no more Army houses which is the impression we normally have. Therefore, treat it the way you will  treat your own property.   You all know the essence of decay before the COAS  came in , and all the  efforts he had put  in.

“So, please, do your best to maintain this thing. As soon as any part is deteriorating, make every effort to repair it, as  it is your accommodation and not the Army’s.

Continuing, he said, “Immediately the Chief heard that this building had been completed yesterday but not inhabited, he told me to ensure it was  commissioned immediately and officers relocated with immediate effect.

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This accommodation will be given to those who were staying there before it’s renovation. It is only those  posted out that they will not be allocated. You are to go back to the same room you were before”.

Other measures put in place to checkmate the spread of the dreaded CODVID 19 virus within the cantonment , as observed, included the installation of washing basins and soaps at designated entrances, where troops and visitors washed their hands before applying  hand sanitizer.

Also, efforts made by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Etsu Ndagi, to curtail the spread of the dreaded virus within the cantonment, included an  enlightenment programme for Non Commission Officers , Women and youth leaders within the cantonment , with emphasis on the need for exceptional high standard hygiene to include regular washing of hands, use of hand sanitisers, face masks and sanitary gloves among others.

Every one was screened with an   infra-red thermometer  before entering, while social distancing was strictly observed during the brief event.

Vanguard