By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has reiterated his commitment in prioritizing the welfare and living standards of Nigerian Army personnel and their families, as they perform their constitutional responsibilities across the nation.
Gen Lagbaja made the assertion, while addressing troops of 35 Artillery Brigade on Thursday 23 May 2024, at Alamala Barracks in Ogun State.
The Army Chief commended the troops for their operational success in curtailing criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cult related activities, smuggling and pipeline vandalism in Ogun and contiguous states.
Enunciating further, the COAS stated, “Let me thank you for your service to the nation. Your effort has ensured the maintenance of peace and stability in your Area of Responsibility, particularly in Ogun State”.
While interacting with the troops on the challenges confronting them, Gen Lagbaja assured that their personal welfare and that of their families, including accommodation, social amenities and regimental facilities, are currently receiving attention as programmed in the master plan. He pointed out that effort is equally ongoing to address the backlog of unpaid Group Life Insurance. He assured that all relevant Army Headquarters Departments will act accordingly.
The COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army (NA) is being transformed and the transformation process has the backing of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He maintained that “To whom much is given, much is expected” and implored the troops to redouble their effort to show gratitude for the investment of resources to provide a befitting working and living environment for them.
The COAS and his entourage were received and briefed on the security situation of the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, operational, training, administrative and logistics disposition by the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammed Aminu.
The COAS took time out to pay his respect to the fallen heroes at the Brigade’s War Memorial, where a minute silence was observed in their honour. Afterwards, he embarked on a tour of the barracks, inspecting the condition of infrastructures and facilities.
