The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja officially opened a medical facility at the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Makurdi.
The ceremony took place at the Joe Akahan Military Cantonment in the Benue State capital on Wednesday.
During the inauguration, General Lagbaja emphasized that the Makurdi project served as a blueprint for similar medical facility developments across the Nigerian Army.
This facility operates independently from the national power grid, relying on a 150KVA solar smart inverter system with a 100KVA diesel-powered generator for backup during adverse weather conditions.
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with essential life support equipment to stabilize patients before transferring them to more advanced medical facilities if necessary.
General Lagbaja also highlighted the upgrade of labor and maternity wards to address maternal and infant mortality issues.
Similar initiatives have begun in medical centers at Lokoja and Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos, with plans to extend improvements to the Gibson Jalo Cantonment in Yola.
General Lagbaja underscored the importance of enhancing welfare facilities within the Nigerian Army as part of his administration’s core philosophy.
He stressed the connection between well-being and combat readiness, stating that adequately supported troops are more effective in safeguarding the nation.
“when our troops are well-led and well-catered for, they will fight well to secure our dear country from internal and external threats”.
Regarding the project’s significance, General Lagbaja described it as a proactive measure to improve the living standards of military personnel and their families, recognizing their sacrifices and boosting morale.
“it is an aggressive drive to enhance the standard of living of our warriors and members of their families. It is the government’s way of appreciating their sacrifices and boosting their morale.”
He urged the 401 Special Forces Brigade community to take responsibility for the facility’s upkeep and ensure its optimal utilization.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support and acknowledged the Ministry of Defence’s leadership and guidance. General Lagbaja also thanked patriotic Nigerians for their contributions to enhancing military welfare.
Major General Hillary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, praised General Lagbaja for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the positive impact the medical facility will have on both the military and civilian communities in Makurdi.
