By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged officers and men of the Nigerian Army, as well as other security agencies, to demonstrate resolute and unwavering commitment to combating security challenges that threaten the nation’s corporate existence.
The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, whilst delivering a lecture titled “Nigeria’s National Security and Defence: Nigerian Army’s Mission Statement and Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy” to the students of senior Course 47 and Junior Course 99 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna.
General Oluyede emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in defending the nation.
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army Chief stressed that relying solely on equipment will not win wars, and that comprehensive training and effective leadership are crucial in achieving success.
General Oluyede encouraged the officers to work tirelessly towards a united, secure, and peaceful Nigeria, emphasizing that this is a shared responsibility that must be executed undauntedly.
He spoke on his command philosophy which centered around building a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, with a focus on core values such as ethical conduct, accountability, and the soldiers-first principle.
The COAS identified key elements of his command philosophy, including leadership, sound administration, professionalism, and combat readiness, with the ultimate objective of maintaining the resilience and sustainability of troops’ welfare, professional growth, and combat readiness.
He also pledged to continue investing in the provision of affordable housing for soldiers and their families, citing recent initiatives such as the commissioning of 100 blocks of soldiers’ quarters in Abuja and the construction of affordable houses in other locations.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Alhaji, assured that the participants would utilize the knowledge gained from the lecture in their future responsibilities and expressed appreciation to the COAS for delivering the topical lecture.
As the Nigerian Army continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians, General Oluyede’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to national security.
