By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, other security agencies, and sister services to show unwavering commitment to tackling Nigeria’s security threats.
He made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Nigeria’s National Security and Defence: Nigerian Army’s Mission Statement and Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy” to students of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 99 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna, emphasizing that military equipment alone cannot win wars, but utilizing their training to boost national security.
A statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja by the director, army public relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu states that; the COAS stressed that securing the country is a shared responsibility and must be pursued with determination.
Illustrating his vision for his command, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) revealed that he aims to revolutionize the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated and combat-ready force. He aims to ensure the army effectively carries out its constitutional duties, working seamlessly alongside other agencies and stakeholders in a collaborative environment.
He emphasized that effective leadership, professionalism, and combat readiness are the core elements of his strategic plan, which is fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national transformation agenda.
General Oluyede has reiterated his dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of soldiers, with a focus on housing, healthcare, and logistics. To achieve this, he’s initiated various projects, including the commissioning of 100 blocks of soldiers’ quarters in Abuja. Additionally, there are ongoing housing projects in Benin and Ibadan, demonstrating his commitment to providing better living conditions for military personnel. These efforts align with his “soldiers first” policy, aimed at boosting morale and improving their standard of living.
The COAS reinforced the Nigerian Army’s vital role in maintaining national unity and security, urging troops to remain steadfast in defending the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all citizens. This emphasis on national security is in line with the army’s historical role as a cornerstone of stability in Nigeria.
In his response, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Alahji, expressed gratitude to the COAS for delivering a lecture and assured that participants would apply the knowledge gained in their future assignments.
