The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven , Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar on 3rd July 2024 commissioned 3 blocks of 12 flats newly remodelled and renovated for 36 families of Cpl and Below soldiers in 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks Bauchi.
The GOC/Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AE Abubakar, represented by the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General E Egbe expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his commitment to renovating and remodelling structures in Nigerian Army barracks. He stated that the gesture would go a long way in addressing the accommodation challenges in Shadawanka Barracks. According to him, the edifice will further motivate the troops to give the best in their service to the nation.

General Abubakar charged occupants of the newly remodelled and renovated accommodation to take proper care of the facility, disclosing that the COAS used a lot of funds to give the structures a face lift. He therefore urged them to maintain the structures and report anyone who deliberately mismanages or damages the newly reconstructed quarters to appropriate authority for sanctions. He disclosed that one of the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS)Command Philosophy was sound administration and the welfare of troops and their families. To this end, he said this remodelling and renovation was necessary to provide befitting accommodation for soldiers along with their families to keep the morale of the troops high.

While giving details of remodelling and renovated works carried out on the structures, the Commanding Officer 33 Artillery Brigade Cantonment Maintenance Group, Lt Col AS Gumel, explained that the contract for the works was awarded in March 2023. According to him, the remodelling and reconstruction works included installation of concrete and facia; roof carcass long-span aluminium roofing sheets; POP ceiling and the installation of doors and casement windows. Others are tilling; painting; plumbing; electrical installations; kitchen cabinets and external works. He said the contract agreement was completed in December 2023 in accordance with the Bill of Quantity.

In a vote of thanks, one of the beneficiaries, SSgt Adewale Okewo expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC/Commander Operation Safe Haven for the gesture and thoughtfulness. He promised that the occupants will ensure proper maintenance of the accommodation, and continue to perform their duties at optimal levels.

Highlights of the commissioning ceremony were the cutting of the tape, presentation of keys to the occupants as well as tour of the structures by the representative of the General Officer Commanding/Commander Operation Safe Haven.

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3 Division Nigerian Army GOC Commissions Soldiers’ Quarter in Bauchi, Charges Occupants to Maintain the Facility