Army Chief Pledges Improved Benefits to Match Troops’ Sacrifices
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, pledged improved welfare and benefits for soldiers commensurate with the sacrifices they make daily in the defence of Nigeria.
Lagbaja gave the assurance in his opening remarks , Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2024, held at Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment on Tuesday in Jaji Kaduna State.
Lagbaja emphasized his commitment to enhancing the capabilities of combat arms to fulfill their constitutional duties. He highlighted sound administration, including proper planning, leadership, and logistics, as crucial for operational efficiency.
The theme for this year’s training, “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Improved Combat Arms’ Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” reflects a key element of Lagbaja’s vision.
While acknowledging existing challenges like equipment shortages and inadequate housing, Lagbaja promised to address them to improve operational effectiveness. He also highlighted efforts to boost soldier morale through initiatives like the COAS Empowerment Loan Scheme and Affordable Housing Ownership Option.
His word: “This event being my maiden CAT Week at the helm of affairs of the Nigerian Army, presents me the opportunity to restate my desire to improve the capabilities of the combat arms towards achieving the constitutional imperatives of the NA.”
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Labgaja said the week also presented a unique opportunity for interaction between the combat arms, other arms and services towards promoting efficiency during operations.
Lagbaja encouraged collaboration between combat arms and support services to refine strategies and capabilities for tackling contemporary threats.
The COAS encouraged all the officers and men in the front lines in the various theatres as well as those serving in other capacities to continue to give their best to ensure the nation is rid of all forms of insecurity.
”Accordingly, all Nigerian Army personnel must remain professional, law-abiding and loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they discharge their constitutional responsibilities,” Lagbaja charged.
The COAS further said that attention would also be directed towards enhancing the capabilities of the combat arms through training, equipment and sound administration.
He further challenged the combat arms to leverage the skills and competencies inherent in the Combat Support and Combat Service Support Corps for enhancing doctrine and capabilities needed to defeat contemporary threats.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support to the Nigerian Army.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while declaring the week opened, said the government and the people of the state identify with the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general and in this instance the Nigerian Army.
The Governor was represented by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Mr Samuel Aruwan.
By PRNigeria
