… Pledges more support to Nigerian Army
Paschal Emeka, Abuja / Posted December 12, 2023
In a bid to enhance national security and maintain peace across the country, the Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria (AFN), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Armed Forces to double their efforts towards sustainable peace, security and development.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement, while giving major highlights of the opening ceremony of the COAS Annual Conference, ongoing in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He stated that the President made the call today Monday 11 December, 2023 at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2023 themed, “Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a joint Environment” held at Command Guest House, Maiduguri, Borno State.
President Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of the NA in restoring peace across the country and troops’ apolitical conduct during the recent elections in some states. The C-in-C commended the Armed Forces for their heroic efforts in combatting insurgency, terrorism and other criminal activities that have threatened peace and stability in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of continued dedication and unwavering commitment in tackling security challenges to ensure a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
The President remarked that the conference represents a valuable tradition symbolizing Nigerian Army’s unyielding devotions to national security.
He noted that the conference will provide a constructive platform for NA to draw lessons from its operations, and training exercises of the past to enhance its operations. Stressing the vital role of the military to national security, President Tinubu said the fate of the country lies with the Armed Forces and called on the NA not to relent in tackling insecurity head-on, including adversaries whose intent is to subdue Nigerians and truncate democracy.
The President reaffirmed that his administration’s proactive approach and determination to tackle security concerns will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
President Tinubu noted that the procurement of new platforms for the Armed Forces has tremendously improved its capacity and combat efficiency to discharge its constitutional roles. He commended the Service Chiefs and heads of security and response agencies for improved synergy in accomplishing his directives.
He assured that his administration will continue to cater for the families of deceased personnel, who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria, through provision of welfare schemes and educational scholarship programmes.
In his remark, the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum extolled the tireless efforts of the NA and other security agencies towards ensuring peace and security in Borno State and Nigeria at large. He stated that the presence of President Tinubu at the COAS annual conference underscores the significance of the event particularly considering the historical and strategic importance of Borno State in the fight against Insurgents.
The Governor noted that the conference came at a critical moment, aligning with the progress made by the Armed Forces in tackling insecurity, adding that the state is at the crucial junction in efforts to implementing the Borno restoration plan, aiming to end the decade long humanitarian disasters caused by Boko Haram Insurgency.
While appreciating the sacrifices of the NA, Professor Zulum urged service chiefs and formation commanders to maintain cordial working relationship with other security agencies in the State
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar described the conference as an avenue to assess the preparedness and operational readiness of the NA in the discharge of its constitutional roles. He noted that deliberations during the conference will generate strategies that will enhance peace and stability as well as facilitate in charting a better course for the NA in the coming year.
The Defence Minister encouraged the NA to continue to perform its statutory role of safeguarding the nation and protecting the citizenry through the visionary support and direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He commiserated with the families of the deceased personnel and assured the families and injured personnel of government support.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja said the conference is significant being the first gathering of the NA since the commencement of current administration and on assumption of office as COAS.
The COAS noted that the annual conference is a crucial platform, where leadership of the NA comes together to deliberate on critical policies, review past achievements, assess current challenges and strategize for the future with the objective to enhance national security.
The Army Chief noted that under the leadership of President Tinubu, the nation is addressing a wide range of security challenges across the zones. The COAS stated that the theme “Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a joint Environment” was carefully chosen to underscore the importance of uplifting and empowering personnel for enhanced performance.
He said the theme was in line with Mr President’s directive to address all security challenges facing the country and reflect on its commitment to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving the NA’s constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
General Lagbaja averred that NA’s goal is to shore up the capabilities and state of readiness of its force, while nurturing the culture of excellence and unwavering dedication.
The COAS highlighted the operational feats of the NA across the geopolitical zones, noting that NA will continue to evaluate his efforts for operational effectiveness.
The Army Chief during the conference also highlighted welfare packages and essential infrastructure strides of the NA, noting that the concerted efforts has reduced personnel pressing needs for suitable living quarters and helped modernize infrastructure.
General Lagbaja on behalf of officers and soldiers expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for complimenting welfare efforts of the NA by approving the payment of backlog of group life assurance claims for families of deceased personnel.
After the opening ceremony, President Tinubu inspected ongoing projects of NA Reference Hospital and performed foundation laying for the construction of Headquarters 7 Division in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. The President also addressed the troops of Joint Task North East, OPERATION HADIN KAI in the state.
A Conference lecture titled; “Whole of Society Approach and Military Operations in Nigeria” was also delivered by a former COAS, Lieutenant General Onyeabo Azuibuike Ihejirika (Rtd).