The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy living, environmental sanitation and improved welfare among troops and their families through initiatives aimed at fostering a cleaner and more responsible barracks community.
The came to the fore during a Barrack Health Committee sensitisation programme and competition held at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, where officers, soldiers and their families gathered to promote community health and collective responsibility.
Themed “empowering the barracks community to respond to health and cleanliness,” the programme featured a road walk by participating blocks and sanitation inspections, all geared towards encouraging high standards of cleanliness and discipline.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Godwin Sunday Ogoh, said the programme was designed to drive positive behavioural change among residents.
“This initiative is aimed at inspiring a culture of hygiene and environmental responsibility within the barracks,” he said.
He added that the exercise would be sustained to ensure lasting impact.
“The competition will be conducted monthly, while broader sanitation engagements will be held quarterly,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chaplain of the facility and Chairman of the Barrack Health Committee, Emeka Onochie, underscored the importance of cleanliness from both health and moral perspectives.
“Cleanliness is not only a moral obligation but also essential for healthy communal living,” he said.
He explained that a comprehensive sanitation exercise and inspection were carried out across all 28 blocks in the barracks.
“The assessment was conducted not just to identify the best-performing blocks but also to highlight areas that require improvement,” he added.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving participants, quiz and talk-show, with organisers expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen unity and sustain a culture of cleanliness within the barracks.
Participants described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of its personnel and their families.
