The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has inaugurated a series of landmark projects across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States during his three-day operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, pledging to strengthen civil-military relations and improve the welfare of troops.
Army spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Appolonia Anele confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that the projects were conceived and executed by the General Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, alongside his subordinate commanders, with the overarching goal of boosting the working and living conditions of army personnel.
At the Port Harcourt Barracks, the Army Chief inaugurated the Headquarters 6 Division Office Complex Extension and the Python Harmony Centre, while also unveiling multiple projects executed by the 6 Division Garrison under Brig.-Gen. S. Ahmed. These included two new blocks of 10-family Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQs), seven remodeled CBQs, a refurbished Cantonment Office, and a newly constructed Petroleum Oil Lubricant Point.
The COAS further commissioned remodeled facilities at the 29 Battalion, including a remodeled Quarter Guard and another set of CBQs, which he said were in line with his “Soldier First” initiative. In Bayelsa State, he inaugurated the 16 Brigade Annex Complex, spearheaded by Brig.-Gen. Oluremi Obolo, and also unveiled an electrification project sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its corporate social responsibility. Additionally, he opened a new Garrison House built by Lt.-Col. Sheriff Kaigama.
Other projects inspected included the remodeled Quarter Guard of 5 Battalion, the refurbished Commanding Officer’s House of the 343 Artillery Regiment, and the installation of a new transformer. In Rivers State, the Army Chief performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 20 units of two-bedroom flats for senior non-commissioned officers at Elele Barracks, a development expected to significantly improve accommodation for troops.
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In Akwa Ibom, he inspected the newly remodeled Medical Reception Station at Wellington Barrack, which he described as a critical addition to troop welfare and healthcare delivery. Addressing soldiers of the 29 Battalion in Port Harcourt and the 6 Battalion in Ibagwa, Oluyede praised their dedication to anti-oil theft and pipeline protection operations. He assured them that their welfare, training, and operational needs would remain a top priority under his leadership, stressing that the Nigerian Army would continue to reward professionalism, sacrifice, and commitment.
“The Nigerian Army belongs to all Nigerians, and we will continue to safeguard lives, property, and the sovereignty of our nation,” he said.
As part of his tour, the Army Chief also paid a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, where he reiterated the importance of civil-military collaboration. Oluyede commended the sustained partnership between the Army and the state government, which, he said, has contributed to Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the federation. In response, Governor Eno praised the Army for its outstanding role in maintaining peace and security, particularly through the 2 Brigade, noting that their professionalism has been instrumental in fostering development.
The projects, according to military authorities, are not just infrastructural upgrades but a demonstration of the Army leadership’s commitment to troop welfare, operational readiness, and deeper community engagement across the South-South region.
