... Commends Media, says, their role in NA activities is invaluable
In line with the Sanction and Reward System pillar of his Command Philosophy, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja has today, 18th April, 2024 instituted first of its kind, the Formation Command Appreciation/Recognition Plaque for senior level commanders who were posted out of command.
General Lagbaja today at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff’s First quarters conference 2024 held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 Asokoro Abuja, presented the Formation Command Appreciation/Recognition Plaque to 7 of senior level commanders who were posted out of command between August 2023 and the first quarter of this year.
Speaking on the Formation Command Appreciation/Recognition Plaque, Lt General Lagbaja said its Nigerian Armys way of appreciating them for their modest contributions towards a better Nigeria and encouraging them to do better when next similar opportunity comes.
"Everyone must understand that posting is a routine exercise in the military, and several circumstances lead to it, many of which may not be fully understood by all. To complement this new initiative, the COps(A) will henceforth head a team made up of COLOG(A), CASE, COTI(A), CMI(A), and any other PSO deemed relevant to debrief direct reporting formation commanders not later than 10 days post-handover.
"This standing committee will submit a 3-5 page report highlighting lessons and issues that can help AHQ better guide new formation commanders as well as improve the security, welfare, and morale of troops in the formation they commanded.
He added that Army Headquarters AHQ DAOPS and HQ NAIC will henceforth jointly provide an initial brief to all divisions and above commanders and commanders of specialized formations like the Guards Brigade to bring them up to speed on Army headquarters AHQ's expectation and aid their takeoff.
The COAS also noted that the COPP(A) will provide further guidance to this standing committee by formulating appropriate orders/instructions.
He ordered the MS(A) to note that the formation command appreciation/recognition plaque does not qualify recipients for the Field Command Medal of Honour award and should thus not be cited as a basis for demanding such instituted honors and awards.
On the outcome of the First Quarter Conference which has provided the top brass of the Nigerian Army an opportunity to brainstorm and appraise the Nigerian Army’s activities so far this year, the COAS said It enabled them to confirm the level of implementation of decisions taken during the Annual Conference held in Maiduguri in December 2023 and "I am happy to report that our findings have been largely satisfactory."
The COAS also appreciated all of personnel holding one form of command, staff, or leadership position in this highly challenging period of our country’s history.
"I must, however, remind you all of the need to always be ingenious and courageous because the adversaries we fight are emboldened by weakness; thus, we cannot afford to show a jot of it. As reminded by the CMI(A) in his brief, fear is a major currency with which our adversaries trade, and we must turn the tide against them and out-trade them in their currency." he noted
General Lagbaja also thanked the media for their positive reportage since the beginning of the conference. "I must say we are always delighted to have you around. Your role in our activities is invaluable, and we consider you a critical partner in our professional dealings. I thank you for all you do and for always standing by the Nigerian Army. Even those renowned for criticizing the Nigerian Army are always held in high esteem because they help us look inward and strive to excel since we know we are constantly under their radar."
The COAS who declare the Chief of Army Staff’s First Quarter Conference 2024 closed, assured Nigerians of NA's resolve to, in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies, ensure the security of lives and properties across the country.
"I wish to warn criminal elements in our society that the Nigerian Army will stop at nothing to neutralise them. I enjoin law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian Army in our efforts to make our territory inviolable, safeguard the lives and properties of loyal citizens, and create the enabling atmosphere for good governance and economic prosperity." he ssid
SpyeTV reports that the Chief of Army Staff’s First Quarter Conference 2024 was attended by top brass of the Nigerian Army which in the past 3 days have afforded them quality time to again review NA training, operational and administrative activities that directly relate to security issues crucial to tge Nation and external environment.
