The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General David Maiyeranso Saraso, has inaugurated projects in honour of troops who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.at 18 Brigade Litani Barracks Bida in Niger State.
He inaugurated the projects when he visited the Litani barracks including a Hall of Heroes building named after the immediate late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The project was initiated and funded by the Commander, 18 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Taye Ahmed, to serve as a monument for the troops to be remembered forever.
Saraso also inaugurated two units of three-bedroom flats for officers, a block of two-bedroom flats for senior non-commissioned officers quarters, corporal and below quarters and a complex housing the brigade’s Arms store and magazine.
He conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s goodwill messages, centered on the “soldiers first” policy, and charged troops to redouble their efforts to consolidate on the successes being recorded in their operations.
He lauded the commander for the gesture which was worthy of emulation, adding that the welfare of soldiers was paramount to the leadership of Nigerian army and urged troops to remain dedicated to their duties.
In his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Taye, Commander 18 Brigade, said he was motivated by the ethics and tradition of the Nigerian army.
“I am proud to have sponsored this project, which will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes,” he said.
He said the projects were aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of soldiers and their families.
Mrs Josephine Yohanna, wife of one of the deceased soldiers, commended the Nigerian army for the spirit of oneness, adding that the family was proud of the honor.
“We are grateful for this recognition, and we hope that it will serve as a motivation to other soldiers to continue serving the nation with dedication and loyalty,” she said.
The Heroes Hall features portraits of deceased personnel, an arcade for laying wreaths, and framed quotations on the honor and sacrifices of the deceased.
The GOC thereafter paid a courtesy visit to Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and expressed appreciation for his support to the Nigerian army and the troops at Litani Barracks Bida.
Responding, the Etsu Nupe appreciated the GOC for his visit and expressed his satisfaction with the conduct and contributions of the troops of 18 Brigade in the emirate.