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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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 upscale efforts to foster professionalism and combat readiness under his watch.
Oluyede, represented by the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye, said 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, recognise excellence, and ensure 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 various theatres and peacekeeping operations who would not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to the 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 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 repose of the souls of departed gallant colleagues who paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland, including the immediate past COAS, Late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
“The Nigerian Army will ever remain committed, determined, and focused on winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting her national interests, and accomplishing other tasks in aid of civil authority within a joint and multi-agency environment,” Oluyede assured.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso said the Christmas celebration provides a unique and solid avenue to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty, and commitment of gallant troops in the 1 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Saraso said the security situation in the Division’s AOR has remained volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
He, however, said the Division has ensured stability in the AOR.
This, according to him, is exemplified by the relative security being enjoyed along the strategic Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja-Kaduna road/rail corridor.
He added that several kidnapped victims have been rescued or released from captivity unconditionally, while many bandits have also laid down their arms due to the Division’s proactive kinetic and non-kinetic engagements.
“These modest successes have been made possible through the collective dedication and sacrifices of our gallant troops in the field.
“We in 1 Division and indeed the Nigerian Army as a whole must ensure that our troops are continuously motivated to accomplish all statutory or assigned tasks,” he said.
He observed that the lunch was a token of appreciation for the wounded in action and sick soldiers’ hard work and sacrifices throughout 2024.
The GOC said it was aimed at reinvigorating their commitment to securing the division’s AOR and ensuring that no safe haven exists for terrorist or insurgent activities within 1 Division AOR.
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