The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeants Major (RSMs) across all Army formations to sustain high standards of discipline, leadership, and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday in Enugu during the closing ceremony of the 2nd Regimental Sergeants Major (RSM) Convention 2025, themed “RSM Roles in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness.”
The four-day event was hosted under the Department of Administration, Nigerian Army, and attended by senior military officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, as well as representatives from sister services and other security agencies.
In his address, the COAS described the convention as a significant milestone, marking his first official engagement since assuming office as Army Chief. He commended the RSMs for their active participation and meaningful contributions throughout the deliberations.
“Over the past few days, you have been engaged in productive discussions that fostered knowledge sharing and exchange of invaluable insights,” Shaibu said. “I am confident that these deliberations have deepened your understanding of the vital role you play in the overall functioning of our Army.”
He hailed the RSMs as the “custodians of regimentation and discipline” and the “moral compass” that guides soldiers’ conduct, particularly in ongoing operations across all theatres.
“The leadership and mentorship standards you demonstrate greatly shape and define the ideals of professionalism that our soldiers embrace as the true meaning of soldiering,” he said.
Shaibu urged the participants to return to their units with renewed zeal to nurture disciplined and battle-ready troops, adding that the lessons learned from the convention must translate into improved combat readiness and operational efficiency.
The COAS noted that the topics covered during the convention—such as regimental culture, substance abuse prevention, administrative challenges, social media responsibility, and mentorship—were tailored to address real challenges in Army formations.
He commended the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, and the organizing committee for their meticulous planning and coordination, as well as the Enugu State Government and sister services for their collaboration and support.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, assuring the President of the Army’s steadfast commitment to restoring peace across the country.
“Finally, I say to you, my fellow Regimental Sergeants Major: as you depart this convention, carry with you the pride of your country, the weight of your responsibilities, and the honour of being custodians of discipline and tradition in the Nigerian Army. Live by example, guide with wisdom, and inspire courage,” Shaibu stated.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, commended the RSMs for their steadfastness and commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism. He described the convention as historic, being the first to feature participation from sister services and other security agencies — a move that underscores the Army’s drive toward jointness and interoperability in modern military operations.
Abdullahi urged the participants to apply the lessons learned in their respective units, noting that the knowledge shared would strengthen leadership, reinforce morale, and enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness.
“The lessons learned here do not end within the walls of this convention,” he said. “I urge all participants to take these insights to your duty posts, thereby sustaining the high standards of discipline and effectiveness expected of a professional fighting force.”
He thanked the Enugu State Government for its hospitality and support, and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to its core values of loyalty, discipline, and selfless service.
Source: Zagazola