Rep. Abejide Commissions New Soldiers’ Housing Units in Lokoja, Reaffirms Commitment to Security
The Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, on Wednesday commissioned newly completed housing units donated to personnel of the Nigerian Army at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of ongoing efforts to support the welfare of security personnel.
The project, which consists of two blocks of two-bedroom semi-detached flats, was commissioned barely two months after its foundation laying ceremony. The commissioning marks the second phase of housing support facilitated by the lawmaker for the barracks, following an earlier accommodation project commissioned in February this year.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi; Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd); the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi; and Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya, Commander of the Naval Drafting Command, NNS Lugard, Lokoja, among other top security officials.
Speaking during the event, Rep. Abejide commended Brigadier General Sidi for his proactive leadership and dedication to improving the welfare and operational effectiveness of troops under his command.
He expressed gratitude to God for the successes being recorded by the Nigerian military in confronting security challenges across the country, particularly in Kogi State and Yagba Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the contributions of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo to the security architecture of the state, noting that the governor had equally supported the construction of similar housing units within the barracks.
According to him, the interventions reflect a shared commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening the morale of troops charged with protecting lives and property.
Rep. Abejide also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the armed forces and for prioritising the security of Nigerians through strategic interventions.
He assured the military personnel that more support would continue to come, stressing that decent accommodation remains a critical part of boosting the morale and efficiency of officers serving the nation.
“We are committed to ensuring that our soldiers are properly supported. Their sacrifices for the peace and security of the country deserve appreciation, and one of the ways to show this is by improving their welfare and living conditions,” Abejide said.
Representing Governor Ododo at the event, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), said the governor remained committed to protecting lives and property across Kogi State, describing security as one of the administration’s highest priorities.
He noted that Governor Ododo would have personally attended the commissioning but for other official engagements, adding that the governor appreciates the support Rep. Abejide has continued to provide to security institutions in the state.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Sidi expressed appreciation to Rep. Abejide for the gesture, describing the donation as timely and impactful for the welfare of soldiers.
He also commended Governor Ododo for providing an enabling environment for security agencies to function effectively in the state.
The first beneficiaries of the newly commissioned housing units—Master Warrant Officers Muhammed Tonga, Haruna Felicia, Peter Adah, and Sikiratu Suberu—expressed appreciation to Rep. Abejide, Governor Ododo, President Tinubu, and Brigadier General Sidi for prioritising the welfare of soldiers.
They noted that the new accommodation would significantly improve the living conditions of personnel and their families, while also boosting morale among officers serving at the barracks.
Also present at the commissioning were several political associates and aides of the lawmaker, including Chief Yomi Charles Olorunshola, Pastor Samuel Babatunde, Oba Samuel Adebola, the Olugbagun of Igbagun; the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Solid Minerals, Hon. Segun Ashiru; Kogi State ADC Chairman, Hon. Sunday Maiyaki; Chief of Staff to Rep. Abejide, Hon. Bode Kayode, Personal Assistant to Rep. Abejide, Otunba Duro Olusegun Aseremaseka, and other members of his entourage.
The housing intervention is part of Rep. Abejide’s broader commitment to supporting security agencies and enhancing the welfare of personnel serving in Kogi State.