COAS Commissions Soldiers’ Club, RSM House to Boost Troop Welfare, Operational Readiness
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday commissioned the Python Soldiers’ Club and the newly constructed Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM) House at the 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, reaffirming that troop welfare and strong leadership remain central to operational effectiveness.
The projects, he said, reflect his “Soldier First” philosophy, which prioritises the welfare, morale and well-being of personnel as a key driver of mission success.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Python Soldiers’ Club, Shaibu said creating a conducive environment where soldiers can relax, interact and build stronger bonds after prolonged internal security operations is essential to sustaining a resilient and combat-ready force.
He noted that the facility would improve the mental well-being, resilience and unit cohesion of troops, stressing that welfare extends beyond accommodation and equipment to include recreational infrastructure that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
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According to him, a motivated and psychologically fit force is better positioned to respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and safeguard the nation’s peace and stability.
At the inauguration of the 6 Division RSM House, the Army Chief described Regimental Sergeant Majors as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Nigerian Army.
He said providing dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not only a welfare initiative but also a strategic investment in strengthening leadership at the unit level.
Shaibu explained that RSMs play a critical role in translating command intent into action, maintaining cohesion among troops and ensuring operational directives are effectively executed.
He added that they serve as the vital link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, esprit de corps and troop motivation, all of which contribute significantly to mission success.
The COAS reiterated that continuous investment in welfare infrastructure for soldiers and key regimental leaders remains a priority under his “Soldier First” agenda, aimed at building a professional, united and highly motivated Nigerian Army capable of meeting the country’s evolving security challenges.
By PRNigeria
