…Inaugurates barracks projects in Lagos
Chiemelie Ezeobi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has charged commanders under the division to make their leadership count by delivering projects that improve operational efficiency, enhance troop welfare and leave measurable results in their units.
Babalola gave the charge during the recent inauguration of several strategic infrastructural projects at the Headquarters, 81 Division Garrison, Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Lagos.
The projects include the renovation of the Arm Store, Commanding Officer’s Administrative Office, Garrison Commander’s Office, Personal Assistant’s Office and Commander’s Waiting Room.
Also inaugurated were the refurbished Garrison Headquarters Complex and renovated Training Shed, while the ceremony featured the groundbreaking of a modern children’s playground within the barracks.
Commending the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, Babalola described the projects as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to improving operational readiness and the welfare of personnel.
He said the initiatives aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldier First Culture” command philosophy, which places the well-being and morale of soldiers at the heart of military leadership.
The GOC reminded commanders that leadership should be measured by visible achievements, declaring, “Every month, I must see the impact of what you are doing in your units and formations.”
According to him, the proposed children’s playground reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of military families, while the renovated Arm Store would strengthen accountability and operational preparedness.
He also urged officers and soldiers to properly maintain the facilities, stressing that infrastructure could only remain valuable through discipline, responsibility and professionalism.
Earlier, Brigadier General Getso said the projects were undertaken to improve the Garrison’s operational effectiveness and create a better working and living environment for personnel.
He disclosed that the children’s playground would provide a safe recreational space for children residing in the barracks and would be named the Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola Children’s Playground, in recognition of the GOC’s leadership and support.
He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his strategic leadership and unwavering support, we well as the GOC, former Garrison Commanders, friends of the barracks, officers and soldiers for their contributions to the successful execution of the projects.