GOC Commissions Upgraded Religious Centres In Ojo Cantonment, Reaffirms COAS’s Commitment To Personnel Welfare and Spiritual Development

GOC Commissions Upgraded Religious Centres In Ojo Cantonment, Reaffirms COAS’s Commitment To Personnel Welfare and Spiritual Development

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, today 4 September 2026, commissioned the renovated Central Mosque and St. Paul Military Protestant Church at Ojo Military Cantonment, Lagos.

The facelift of the two religious centres was approved and sponsored by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen W Shaibu as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare, morale and spiritual well-being of Nigerian Army personnel and their families.

Speaking at the ceremony, GOC said the upgraded facilities would provide personnel and worshippers with more conducive environments for prayers, reflection and other spiritual activities.

He added that the initiative reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s commitment to improving the quality of life of personnel and creating an enabling environment for them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.

“The Nigerian Army recognises that spiritual resilience and sound moral values are essential to building disciplined, courageous and professionally responsive soldiers. The facelift of these religious centres is therefore not only an infrastructure project, but also an investment in the character and well-being of our personnel,” Major General Babalola said.

The projects are in line with the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army’s enduring belief, encapsulated in its slogan, “Victory is from God Alone.” They also underscore the Army’s recognition of faith, spiritual discipline and moral values as important elements of military professionalism.

The ceremony was attended by the Commander 9 Brigade Brigadier General AO Owolabi, senior officers, commanding officers, spiritual leaders, officers and soldiers, as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association and the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association, among other invited guests.

The event concluded with a ceremonial tree planting by the GOC and Brigade Commander symbolising growth, continuity and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustainable development within its cantonments.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to providing essential welfare infrastructure and conducive living and working environments for its personnel while strengthening the values of discipline, service, unity and faith that underpin effective military professionalism.