Oluyede said this at a Christmas luncheon with the sick and wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. The COAS assured that the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including the injured and those who lost their lives remained his top priority.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday celebrated Christmas with sick and wounded soldiers in action. The Army boss assured them that their sacrifices would never go in vain.
Oluyede said this at a Christmas luncheon with the sick and wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. The COAS assured that the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including the injured and those who lost their lives remained his top priority.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to up-scale issues to foster professionalism and combat-readiness under his watch.
Oluyede, represented by the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye, said the issues towards fostering professionalism and combat-readiness would be achieved alongside a stronger emphasis on maintaining sound administration.
To this end, he pledged to prioritise personnel welfare, recognising excellence and ensuring an efficient system of rewards and sanctions.
The Army Chief said: “All these are in furtherance of my 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 thanked all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and untiring commitment in tackling the numerous security challenges facing the country.
“This is especially to those deployed in the various theatres and peace keeping operations that would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to exigency of duty.
“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians and the allies of Nigeria,” he said.
Oluyede charged all the Nigerian Army personnel to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority, while ensuring that they fully commit to achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He urged them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in discharging their assigned duties and responsibilities.
As they celebrate Christmas, the COAS enjoined them to use the opportunity to remember and pray for the souls of departed gallant colleagues who paid the supreme prize in the course of defending their fatherland, including the immediate past COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
(NAN)
