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By Philip Nwosu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders to focus on troops welfare and embrace technological innovation as central strategies for addressing the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army’s Senior Command Leadership Seminar held in Lagos, General Oluyede, represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major General Henry Wesley, stressed the importance of placing soldiers at the core of military decision-making through the implementation of the “soldier-at-risk” concept. “We must ensure that every soldier feels valued, supported, and empowered. Their welfare must be our primary responsibility, which is essential for creating a combat-ready and resilient force,” he said.
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The COAS described the “soldier-at-risk” framework not as a theoretical ideal but also a moral and operational necessity, aimed at strengthening the military’s human capital. He emphasised that troop morale and motivation are fundamental to military effectiveness.
General Oluyede advocated sustained investment in programmes that support soldiers’ physical, mental, and emotional well being, including comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, and family assistance schemes.
The week-long seminar, which brought together top army officers and strategic stakeholders in defence, addressed key themes, such as digital transformation, joint operations coordination, media management, and innovation in military operations. A key highlight of the discourse was the need for accountability and transparency in military leadership.
