By Philip Nwosu
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has called on the combat support units of the Nigerian Army to evolve strategies and operational concepts that take cognizance of the contemporary strategic challenges, especially as the force battles insurgency around the country.
General Oluyede spoke at the combined West African Social Activities, WASA, organized by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics, commonly called the Combat Support units.
He was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa
The Army Chief said that the hierarchy of the force will continue to provide robust support to the Combat Service Support Corps to enable them build, sustain and enhance capacities and capabilities. That will improve operational efficiency.
He called on the Combat Support Units to ensure effective delivery of logistic support to the fighting force, especially as this is a crucial fulcrum on which the effective discharge of the Nigerian Army constitutional role is hinged on.
He charged the corps to be aware that their services are critical to the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families, noting the corps are critical stakeholders in the attainment of his vision and command philosophy which is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards becoming a well-motivated combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
His words: “This is the fifth edition of this joint celebration and I urge you all to translate this synergy to the delivery of effective and efficient combat service support in the field. I am truly inspired by the positive synergy and spirit you have been able to galvanize to promote comradeship and esprit de corps in the Nigerian Army.
“ At this juncture, it is expedient to remind you all that the Nigerian Army will continue to proudly and diligently discharge its constitutional rules in the defence of the territorial integrity of our dear nation.”
General Oluyede while commending troops of the Nigerian Army in their activities in the preceding years, he said that the year 2024 was quite eventful and challenging, “ but with your commendable commitment and dedication to duty the year ended with remarkable successes.”
He particularly commend the efforts of the Combat Service Support Corps, the Commanders, the Commandants also of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management for maintaining this great idea of jointly celebrating WASA.
Earlier in his address, the Commander Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport Major General Adekunle Adeyinka said that the West African Social Activities is an annual event that provides the unique opportunity for us to celebrate the wins of the previous year while also re-ernergising for areas that need improvement in the new year through social interaction with friends, families, colleagues and partners.
He said that the occasion gives Army a platform to cement relationships, celebrate culture and generate the invaluable synergy required for its activities in the new year.