GOC 82 DIVISION UNVEILS NEW OFFICERS’ ACCOMMODATION AND COMMANDER’S CHALET IN ABAKPA CANTONMENT

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- DEC- 2025

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, has commissioned two newly completed projects at Abakpa Cantonment in Enugu. The facilities include an Officers’ Transit Accommodation and a Commander’s Guest Chalet for the 44 Engineer Brigade.

Both projects were initiated, funded, and constructed under the leadership of the immediate past Commander of the 44 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General O.C. Onovwiona, who now serves as the Director, Leadership Development Institute at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. The initiative was undertaken to uplift the living and working environment of officers within the brigade.

During the commissioning ceremony, Major General Fadairo praised Brigadier General Onovwiona’s vision, dedication, and commitment to improving troop welfare. He urged officers who will benefit from the facilities to take responsibility for their maintenance so the structures can remain functional and beneficial in the long term. The GOC further encouraged other commanders across formations to emulate such gestures that directly impact personnel wellbeing.

Earlier in his remarks, Brigadier General Onovwiona explained that the project was inspired by the welfare-focused command philosophy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja, and aligns with two key pillars of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, which emphasize robust administration and exemplary leadership. He expressed satisfaction that the facilities would contribute to improving morale and operational readiness within the brigade. He also conveyed his appreciation to the GOC for honouring the invitation to commission the projects.

In his welcome address, the current Commander of the 44 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General O.D. Bello, highlighted that the projects were thoughtfully executed to support the welfare and efficiency of troops. He commended the GOC for making time to attend the event despite his demanding responsibilities.

The ceremony featured the formal commissioning and unveiling of the facilities, a guided tour of the buildings, symbolic presentation of keys to beneficiaries, and a group photograph to commemorate the event.