The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned the remodelled and renovated Vulcan Officers’ Mess at the Kontagora Military Cantonment in Niger State.
The commissioning, which took place on March 25, 2026, was performed on behalf of the COAS by the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General John Adeyemo.
Speaking at the event, the Army Chief said the facility is designed to promote professionalism, regimentation and social interaction among officers, while also enhancing civil-military relations in Kontagora and its environs.
He urged officers, heads of sister security agencies and honorary members to make effective use of the Mess to foster interaction, share ideas and strengthen collaboration in support of military operations.
Shaibu also encouraged robust patronage of the facility, including the Mess hall, multi-purpose hall and kitchen, noting that these would improve catering services and overall welfare for users.
In his remarks, Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, now Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the renovation of the facility. He noted that the upgraded Mess would boost social activities, interaction and regimentation among personnel.
He also commended the initiator of the project, former Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar (retd.), for his role in executing the project, adding that the development would enhance the welfare and social life of personnel within the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and the broader Kontagora community.
Earlier, Abubakar thanked the Army leadership for approving and funding the project, stating that the initiative was aimed at improving officers’ social life, fostering interaction with other security agencies and strengthening civil-military relations.
The event was attended by the Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Major General Abubakar Haruna, senior officers from the Corps of Artillery and the Training Centre, as well as representatives of sister security agencies, members of the academia, the Chairman of Kontagora Local Government Area, stakeholders, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, journalists and other invited guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included the unveiling of the plaque, inspection of the facility and a reception, which culminated in a group photograph.
