…Steel and shelter rise in Owode as Army quietly rebuilds its core
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping infrastructure upgrade at 192 Battalion (Rear), Owode–Yewa, in Ogun State, signalling a renewed push to align welfare with operational strength.
The projects, commissioned by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, reflect a deliberate effort to reinforce both security architecture and living standards within the formation.
Executed under the direction of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the intervention underscores a command philosophy anchored on sound administration and a soldier-first approach.
Speaking at the ceremony, the GOC described the new facilities as practical evidence of leadership commitment to troop welfare, stressing that improved infrastructure remains central to discipline, morale, and combat readiness.
He noted that the upgrades are not merely cosmetic, but strategic investments designed to sharpen operational efficiency while strengthening the internal security framework of the battalion.
Major General Babalola also acknowledged the sustained backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose support, he said, continues to provide the enabling environment for institutional reforms and military capacity development.
Commending the Commanding Officer, Major S.I. Usman, the GOC praised his accountability and supervision, which ensured timely and efficient execution of the projects, urging the unit to sustain a strong maintenance culture.
In his earlier remarks, Usman said the interventions were targeted at closing critical gaps in accommodation, medical support, and perimeter security, assuring that the facilities would be judiciously utilised.
The newly commissioned projects include a secured perimeter fencing of the Battalion Arms Store, a modern guard house, upgraded medical reception station, renovated Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence, and new quarters for junior personnel.
Others are solar-powered water facilities, additional sentry posts to fortify security, and newly constructed married officers’ quarters aimed at enhancing family welfare within the barracks.
The Olu of Owode–Yewa, Oba (Rev.) Akindele Mathew Sunday, lauded the Army’s intervention, describing it as a transformative development, particularly the medical facility, which he said would benefit both soldiers and the host community.
The event drew senior military officers, traditional leaders, representatives of sister security agencies, as well as members of NAOWA and NASWA, and concluded