Rep. Leke Abejide, Gov. Ododo Expand Soldiers’ Housing in Lokoja with Commissioning of Four Additional Units
– Reaffirms Commitment to Security
The Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, in collaboration with the Kogi State Government, has commissioned four additional housing units for personnel of the Nigerian Army at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja, further strengthening ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of troops serving in the state.
Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), while the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, received the project on behalf of the military authorities.
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The newly commissioned accommodation, made up of two blocks of two-bedroom semi-detached flats, adds four more residential units to the barracks. The development follows the earlier commissioning of two similar blocks within the same military facility, bringing the total number of housing units delivered under the intervention to eight.
The latest project, completed barely two months after its foundation was laid, reflects the growing partnership between Rt. Hon. Abejide and the Kogi State Government in supporting the welfare and operational readiness of security personnel through targeted infrastructure support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rep. Abejide described the project as part of a deliberate commitment to improving the living conditions of military personnel who continue to make sacrifices in the defence of lives and property.
He commended Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi for his proactive leadership and dedication to improving troop welfare, noting that the pace of infrastructural development within the barracks under his command was commendable.
Abejide expressed gratitude to God for the successes being recorded by security agencies in tackling security challenges across the country, particularly in Kogi State and Yagba Federal Constituency.
He also acknowledged the support of Governor Ododo in strengthening the state’s security architecture, noting that the governor’s intervention in military welfare projects demonstrates a strong commitment to peace and stability.
The federal lawmaker further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising national security and supporting the armed forces through policies aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the country.
According to him, the provision of decent accommodation for military personnel remains one of the critical ways of boosting morale and motivating troops to remain committed to their duties.
“Our soldiers continue to make great sacrifices for the peace and security of our communities. It is important that we support them in practical ways, especially through improved welfare and decent living conditions,” Abejide said.
Representing Governor Ododo, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.) reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security institutions and improving the operational capacity of personnel deployed across the state.
He noted that Governor Ododo places high premium on security and regards the welfare of military and security personnel as a major priority in the state’s drive to maintain peace and public safety.
Omodara stated that although the governor was unable to attend personally due to official engagements, he fully identified with the project and appreciated the continued support being provided by Rep. Abejide to security institutions in Kogi State.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi thanked Rep. Abejide and Governor Ododo for the intervention, describing the additional accommodation as a significant contribution to the welfare of soldiers at the barracks.
He said the project would improve the living conditions of beneficiaries and further motivate officers and men of the brigade to continue giving their best in service to the nation.
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, and the military authorities for prioritising their welfare.
They noted that the accommodation would positively impact their families and improve their standard of living within the barracks.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by top security officials, including the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, and the Commander of the Naval Drafting Command, NNS Lugard, Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya.
Also present were political associates and aides of the lawmaker, including the Kogi State ADC Chairman, Hon. Sunday Maiyaki; Chief of Staff to Rep. Abejide, Hon. Bode Kayode; Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, Hon. Segun Ashiru; Chief Yomi Charles Olorunshola; and Otunba Duro Olusegun Aseremaseka.
The delivery of the additional housing units underscores the increasing collaboration between government officials and elected representatives in enhancing the welfare of security personnel, while reinforcing the commitment to sustaining peace and security across Kogi State.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 24TH 2026)
