AHOOAS: Nigerian Army Sets Aside Free Homes for Injured Soldiers
…As COAS commissions Affordable Home Ownership Scheme in Ibadan, calls on states to allocate land
…As Housing scheme also provides support for widows of fallen heroes in Ibadan
The Nigerian Army has announced that five per cent of the housing units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) scheme have been reserved for soldiers who were badly wounded in battle or affected by traumatic operational conditions, with the beneficiaries receiving the houses free of charge.
The disclosure was made by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during the commissioning of the AHOOAS project at the Post Service Housing Development Limited Pacesetter Estate, Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Lt Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed that improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel remains a top priority of his command philosophy. He stressed that access to affordable and dignified housing is central to sustaining troop morale and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief explained that the housing scheme is designed to support soldiers in acquiring suitable and befitting homes in locations of their choice, noting that similar projects are currently receiving attention across the country.
He further disclosed that plans are being finalised to fast-track home ownership for Nigerian Army warrant officers, describing the initiative as part of a comprehensive welfare strategy aimed at alleviating post-service challenges faced by personnel.
Lt Gen. Shaibu called on state governors across the federation to support the initiative by allocating land in their respective states to facilitate wider implementation of the scheme, emphasising that collaboration is critical to its sustainability.
The COAS also highlighted that providing affordable housing in serene environments aligns with his broader command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, compact and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within joint and multi-agency environments.
In addition to the housing units, the Army Chief noted that the Post Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex at Eleyele, Ibadan, would support residents, promote small businesses and contribute to the economic development of the host community.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Post Service Housing Development Limited, Major General Isaiah Allison (rtd), disclosed that the Ibadan project comprises 30 units of two-bedroom apartments designated for junior soldiers and 30 units of three-bedroom apartments for senior soldiers.
Major Gen. Allison further revealed that the Nigerian Army has also constructed 50 units of two-bedroom houses to be donated to widows of fallen soldiers.
He added that the beneficiaries would undergo skills acquisition training and receive starter packs to support their livelihoods.
Dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin-Funmilayo Williams, Olubadan of Ibadanland His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja and military officials.
