The Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Olufemi Owolabi on Friday 29 May 2026 commissioned the remodelled Regimental Sergeant Major’s Office and Guard Room at 149 Battalion in Ojo Cantonment Lagos.
The projects executed by the Commanding Officer 149 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Rimamshong Zakka, was attended by officers, soldiers and invited guests who gathered to witness the infrastructural development initiative within the Battalion.
This was contained in a statement signed by Major Akinola Ajibola, assistant director army public relations,9 brigade Nigerian army made available to newsmen.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Brigadier General Owolabi commended the Commanding Officer for prioritizing soldiers’ welfare, regimentation and improvement of operational facilities within the Battalion. He stated that the project reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to creating conducive working environment for troops in line with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s “Soldiers First Concept”.
The Brigade Commander noted that the Regimental Sergeant Major remains a critical pillar in every military unit, serving as the custodian of discipline, regimentation, customs and traditions of the Nigerian Army. He added that the effectiveness of any unit largely depends on the efficiency and leadership capacity of its RSM therefore priority must be giving to the office of the RSM.
He further emphasized that the Guard Room is the unit’s scared place for discipline, sobber reflection and security in barracks, stressing that a well structured and functional Guard Room enhances security consciousness, troop coordination and professional conduct among soldiers.
He charged the RSM and soldiers of the Battalion to ensure proper maintenance of the newly remodelled facilities while remaining committed to professionalism, discipline and operational readiness in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commanding Officer 149 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Rimamshong Rukwen Zakka, stated that the project was executed to improve the working conditions of the Regimental Sergeant Major and the administration of discipline while in guard room. He appreciated the Commander 9 Brigade for his continuous support, leadership and commitment towards enhancing operational effectiveness and troops’ welfare across the Brigade.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the remodelled facilities, inspection of the Guard Room and group photographs.
