The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Olufemi Oluyede has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army determination to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity will be stronger than ever, and NA will relentlessly pursue excellence in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
General Oluyede gave this assurance today, 16th December, 2024 while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess 1,Asokoro Abuja.
The Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference is designed to assess the Nigerian Army's activities for the outgoing year while consolidating plans for the forthcoming one. The Conference offers an opportunity for the army to review existing policies, formulate new ones, and evolve strategies to drive them, all within Nigeria's national security framework.
Speaking further, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army remains steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to addressing the challenges.
"Well, I'm always quick to let Nigerians know that. I have been part of this structure, you know, at the highest echelon for the past six years. So, I'm not going to come up with something entirely different, because that would be a disservice to those who have been our leaders in the past.
"So, what we are trying to do here is to evolve new strategies, try to see if we can do things differently, apply more of technology, and expect, maybe, better returns."he said
General Oluyede stressed that the Nigerian Army non-kinetic efforts have been hugely successful, particularly in the North West and North East region.
"So far, we have had a large-scale surrender of terrorists and the submission of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, which ordinarily might not have been possible through only kinetic efforts. To this end, the Nigerian Army will upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all theatres of operations in the coming year to ensure peace is completely restored across the Country."
He commended all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their unwavering sacrifices and efforts in ensuring that the Army fulfills its constitutional responsibilities, noting although there may be some occasional setbacks, the general perception among Nigerians is that their Army remains a responsible and responsive force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional duties and making the nation proud.
He therefore urged them to redouble their efforts in the coming year to surpass NA accomplishments from this year.
"I plan to use this conference to convey various directives and policy guidelines that will guide our training, administrative, and operational engagements in the New Year. This is to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to avoid misalignment of efforts.
"As this is my inaugural conference since assuming office, it presents a valuable opportunity for me to engage deeply with the current state of affairs of the Nigerian Army as we review the present situation and chart a course that strengthens our role in safeguarding the stability of our cherished nation in the coming year.
He pointed out that this Conference, their focus will be on developing innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism and other threats to the peace and security of the country.
The highlight of the opening ceremony of the 2024 COAS Annual Conference was the presentations of Group Personnel Accident Insurance Cheques to Next of Kins of fallen heroes, as well as for personnel who have incurred disabilities in the line of duty.
About 209 have benefited from this scheme. 173 beneficiaries for death Insurance, 14 personnel for permanent disability while 22 personnel Next of Kin benefited for temporary insurance scheme.
This commitment according to Lt General Oluyede includes timely financial assistance, access to healthcare, educational sponsorship for children or dependents of personnel, and other essential services aimed at providing stability to those affected by the sacrifices of courageous personnel. "By prioritizing these welfare initiatives, we honor their service and reinforce our duty of care, ensuring that the families of our fallen and injured personnel are respected.
"Additionally, I am dedicated to maintaining systematic troop rotations to relieve personnel who have overstayed in the field and to introduce fresh forces into our operational theaters. This practice is essential for preserving the physical and mental well-being of our troops, preventing fatigue, boosting morale across the Force, and ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness."
Also, the Chief of Army Staff presented a brand new Toyota Hilux vehicle to 12 Army Warrant Officers Army Warrant Officer (AWO) the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
Presenting the vehicle the COAS, Lt Gen Oluyede congratulated the 12 AWOs and urged them to make good use of the vehicle for the betterment of themselves, their families and the Nigerian Army. He also charged them to ensure adequate maintenance of the vehicle.
