COAS Commissions Remodeled Vulcan Officers’ Mess in Kontagora

By Brown Chimezie,

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday commissioned the newly remodeled and renovated Vulcan Officers’ Mess at the Kontagora Military Cantonment in Niger State.
The COAS, who was represented at the event by the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General John Adeyemo, said the facility was designed to promote professionalism, regimentation, and social activities among officers, while also strengthening civil-military relations in Kontagora and its environs.

The commissioning ceremony, held on March 25, 2026, brought together senior military officers, security chiefs, community stakeholders, members of the academia, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, the Army Chief noted that the Officers’ Mess would serve as a platform for officers, heads of sister security agencies, and honorary members to socialize, interact, and exchange ideas in ways that would contribute to the success of military operations and inter-agency cooperation.
He urged officers and other users to make robust use of the facility, particularly the Mess Hall, Multi-Purpose Hall, and Kitchen, which he said were provided to enhance catering services, welfare, and social engagement.

According to a statement issued by Captain Omale Innocent Prince, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Kontagora, Major General Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the former Chief of Army Staff and current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the remodeling and renovation of the facility.
He said the project would significantly boost interaction, social activities, and regimentation within the military community.
Major General Adeyemo also commended the initiator and executor of the project, the immediate past Commander, Corps of Artillery, Major General Zakari Abubakar (Rtd), for his contributions toward improving the welfare and social life of officers and users of the Mess.

He noted that the project had added value not only to the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery but also to the wider Kontagora community and Niger State at large.
In his remarks, Major General Zakari Abubakar (Rtd) thanked the then COAS and now CDS for approving the project and releasing the necessary funds for its execution.
He explained that the initiative was conceived to enhance the social life, regimentation, and welfare of officers, while also encouraging interaction with other security agencies and the civilian populace.
According to him, the facility would further strengthen civil-military cooperation and provide a conducive environment for social and official engagements.

The event was attended by the Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Major General Abubakar Haruna, officers from the Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and Nigerian Army Training Centre, heads of sister security agencies, the Chairman of Kontagora Local Government Area, stakeholders within Kontagora, honorary members, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), members of the press, and other invited guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included the commissioning of the Mess, unveiling of the plaque, inspection of the facility, a get-together session, and group photographs.