By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
In a bid to enhance operational effectiveness across the theatres of operations across the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged commanders at all level to demonstrate exemplary leadership, actively motivate the troops to tackle security challenges.
He gave the charge while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 Asokoro, Abuja.
The COAS directed the commanders to adopt decisive action, set good examples, and lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and unyielding commitment to the mission objectives of the Nigerian Army.
Sharing his views on the current operations across the country, the Army chief noted that the year 2024 has been an eventful year for the NA, particularly on the operational front, adding that the NA has increased the tempo of its operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and wanton killing of innocent citizens.
The COAS also stressed the need to upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all the theatres of operations to ensure the peace and security of citizens.
Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed gratitude to the executive and legislative arms of government for prioritizing the re-equipping drive of the NA and refurbishment of combat enablers which he noted, has impacted hugely on NA operational effectiveness.
The COAS maintained, as contained in his Command Philosophy “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” that training drives operational success.
He reiterated his commitment to promoting realistic and focused training, prioritizing the “Soldier-First Culture” through enhanced welfare support schemes, including those for the Widows, Next-of-Kin of fallen heroes, as well as the personnel who have suffered disabilities in the line of duty.
He stressed that the practice is essential for preserving the physical and mental well-being of troops, preventing fatigue, boosting morale across the force, and ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness.
Commending officers and soldiers for their inestimable sacrifices in ensuring that the NA fulfills its constitutional responsibilities, the COAS urged personnel to redouble their efforts in the coming year to surpass the NA’s accomplishments in 2024.
The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unrelenting support to the NA.
He pledged the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of the NA to defend the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also thanked members of the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their commitment to ensuring the Nigerian Army’s budgetary and non-budgetary allocations are accorded due attention.
Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, while welcoming participants to the conference noted that the event also serves as a tribute to the legacies of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja and reaffirmed the commitment of the NA to the values he championed.
He noted that the conference was critical to assess NA’s operations and other activities with a view to boosting its overall performance.
In fulfilling part of the welfare schemes for NA personnel, the COAS presented Group Life Insurance Cheques to the next of kins of fallen heroes and 12 Hilux vehicles to Army Warrant Officers of the NA.
The event also featured display of the newly produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Vehicle.
