The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has come to the aid of an 85-year-old ex-serviceman with a donation of a 3-bedroom house after being evicted from his residence by the Kaduna State Government.
Warrant Officer Paul Ojo, who formerly lived at KASUPDA Quarters at Swimming Pool Road, Kaduna, was evicted from his house by the Kaduna State Government after spending several years as a tenant.
The war veteran, who was evicted alongside nine others, sought the intervention of the army authorities, and the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nadir El-Rufai over the “forceful eviction” from his home by security operatives.
However, handing over the house to Mr. Ojo, the COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Usman Shehu Mohammed said he was emotionally touched by the plight of Mr. Ojo having come in contact with a video narrating his ordeal.
He added that he promptly directed that another accommodation be secured for him and his family and hopes that the gesture will ensure he upholds the positive tenets of the Nigerian Army as he starts a new life in the house.
“The COAS, Lt Gen TY Buratai got information about the unfortunate circumstances that led to your ejection from your erstwhile residence at Kabala Costain on 17 August, 2020.
“I was emotionally touched by your plight and consequently directed that an alternative permanent accommodation be secured for you and your family.
“Pursuant to this, we were able to secure a more befitting house at No 26 Yakowa Street Anguwan Galadima Kaduna.
‘It is thus my pleasure to formally present this 3-bedroom house to you as a mark of goodwill and uncommon gesture by the COAS who has always demonstrated his willingness to impact on personnel welfare and that of their families.
“It is hoped that this gesture will encourage you to continue to uphold the positive tenets of the Nigerian Army as you live in peace and harmony with members of the civil society,” he said.
Receiving documents to the house, the Warrant Officer, who was filled with emotion, thanked the army chief and other Nigerians who made it possible for his nightmare to come to a glorious end.
“I do not know how to thank you all because you made all this possible for me.
“God Almighty made my suffering, not in vain.
“I appreciate the COAS for the house and I pray that God continues to protect our army and protect our country Nigeria.
“I was ejected without notice with all my properties scattered but I give God the glory for being ejected from two-bedroom house and today made it possible for me to live in a house I never dreamt of building,” he stated.
Daily Trust.