The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has pledged his commitment to provide adequate accommodation and world class sports facilities for military personnel to ensure that they are well accommodated, and physically and mentally fit to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
General Olonisakin made the remarks when he commissioned two restructured lawn tennis courts, Defence Garrison signage point and the Garrison complex building at the Mogadishu Cantonment Asokoro, Abuja. The CDS stated that sports promotes physical fitness and enhances productivity. He enjoined all military personnel to participate in all sporting activities to boost their mental alertness.
The CDS who was represented by the Chief of logistics (COL) Defence Headquarters, Major General AO Okoh commended the Garrison commander Brigadier- general H.O Otiki for embarking on tremendous transformation of the Defence Garrison building and sports facilities within the complex.
While responding to question from the pressmen on the perennial accommodation problems in the barracks, the COL explained that the scarcity of accommodation in the barracks are largely due to the large intake of personnel in military to prosecute the war on terror. However, he assured military personnel that the Defence Headquarters in conjunction with the sister serviceS are poised to commission some blocks of quarters for both officers and men very soon.
Highlight of the events include the inspection of some sports equipments within the Garrison complex, a novelty Tennis match and group photographs. Some senior officers that witnessed the event are the Army Headquarters. Garrison Commander, Major General J S Malu, Commodore H I Umar of Defence Headquarters, Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar and representatives of the Commander Naval unit Abuja and NAF camp Mogadishu Cantonment.