From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has said that the transformation of the Nigerian Army is focused solely on improving the welfare and professional capacity of its officers and soldiers.
Oluyede, who made this known at a media briefing to flag off activities lined up for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration(NADCEL), said the reform was part of efforts to reposition the force for greater operational effectiveness and national service.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs(Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi, at the briefing, Oluyese, said the focus on soldiers welfare is captured under the theme for this year’s celebrations, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.”
He said: “This theme was carefully selected as it espouses our renewed drive to transform the army by placing our soldiers first.”
The COAS, said that: “The Nigerian Army, as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.”
While assuring that the army is committed to ensuring that the wellbeing of its officers and men becomes the cornerstone of its internal reforms, the COAS, said .
“We recognise that the effectiveness of the army lies in the quality and welfare of the soldier. When the soldier is well taken care of, well-trained and well-equipped, the nation is safer and our democracy more secure,”.