KEY POINTS

• Nigerian Army goes for personnel welfare, reward excellence.
• Troops commended for life saving and secureing of properties and lives in volatile areas.
• In addition, proactive engagements with the creation of improved security along strategic areas such as Kaduna-Birnin Gwari and Abuja-Kaduna corridors.

In the Kwara State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, spent part of this year’s Christmas in a show of love, tarrying with sick and wounded soldiers at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

On his part, Represented by Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye, the Corps Commander Artillery, the COAS further restated his readiness to continue to place premium on the welfare of the military personnel and their families.

Oluyede assured during luncheon that ‘the sacrifices of our gallant troops especially those wounded in action will never go in vain.’

Professionalism and combat readiness commitment

The Army Chief stressed that the Nigerian Army would promote professionalism, combat readiness, and a robust system of awards.

Oluyede said, “My command philosophy is geared towards the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well motivated and combat ready force to discharge its constitutional roles in a joint and multi agency environment.”

He praised the sacrifices of soldiers in several war theatres who were unable to spend the festive period with loved ones because of their duties.

The COAS also called for personnel to continue to be patriotic and loyal, to use the season to celebrate fallen comrades,’ including the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the last COAS.

In a statement, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, said the division had stabilised the security situation and rescued people kidnapped. He said the Christmas lunch was a gesture of gratitude for the ever gallant troops who have made sacrifices in the course of their patriotic duty.