By Isaac Aregbesola
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said that the Nigerian Army remained committed, determined and focused on winning all land battles in defense of the territorial integrity of the nation.
Oluyede, represented by Maj.- Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC), said this in his goodwill message at the Army Headquarters 2024 Christmas Carol in Abuja.
Oluyede, therefore, urged the personnel to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority.
He advised them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and of knowledge, and continue to give their best in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.
The COAS commended all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army for their sacrifices and untiring commitments in tackling the numerous security challenges facing the nation.
“This is especially to those deployed in various theaters and peacekeeping operations that would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to exigencies of duty.
“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and allies of Nigeria.
“I therefore charge you all to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that we fully commit to achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“I urge you to maintain the spirit of patriotism and of knowledge and continue to give your best in the discharge of your assigned duties and responsibilities.
“It behooves every Nigerian army personnel to therefore remain apolitical and subordinated to civil authority,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.
“Let me reiterate that the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including those of our departed and injured colleagues, will remain my top priority.
“Be rest assured that all issues to foster professionalism and combat readiness of the Nigerian army will be upscaled under my leadership.
“This will be achieved alongside a stronger emphasis on maintaining sound administration that prioritizes personnel welfare, recognizes excellence and ensures an efficient system of rewards and sanctions,” he said.
He said that all these were in furtherance of his command philosophy which is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He expressed the army’s appreciation and unalloyed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.
“The Nigerian army will remain committed, determined and focused on winning all land battles in defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“We placed a natural interest and accomplished other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carol, which featured different activities to usher in Christmas, was graced by top military hierarchy, corporate individuals, religious leaders and different church groups.
Seven carol lessons were read from the Holy Bible by prominent persons, where each was followed by songs and entertainment.
Those who read the lessons include Ekperikpe Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Rear Admiral M.k. Unurhiere, and Maj-Gen Kelvin Aligbe.
Others are representatives of Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral MK Igwe; Air Vice Marshal PB Philips and Pearl Isoni, wife of the Garrison Commander of Nigerian Army Headquarters, who represented NAOWA President.
NAN reports that all the readings were about Jesus coming to redeem the world. (NAN)
