The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, celebrated Christmas with wounded and sick soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna on Wednesday, assuring them that their sacrifices would never go in vain.
During the Christmas luncheon with the soldiers, the Army Chief emphasized that the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families, particularly the injured and the families of fallen soldiers, remained his top priority.
Represented by the Corps Commander Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Marcus Kangye, Oluyede reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing professionalism and combat readiness.
He stressed the importance of a sound administration and promised to prioritize personnel welfare, recognizing excellence, and establishing an efficient system of rewards and sanctions.
“My command philosophy is to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” Oluyede said.
The COAS expressed gratitude to all officers and soldiers for their unwavering commitment in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, especially those deployed to various conflict zones and peacekeeping operations who were unable to celebrate the festive period with their families.
“The collective efforts of our troops towards securing lives and properties are well appreciated by Nigerians and our allies,” he said.
Oluyede also called on all Nigerian Army personnel to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to the authorities, ensuring full commitment to their constitutional responsibilities.
He encouraged the troops to continue demonstrating patriotism and excellence in fulfilling their duties.
Additionally, he urged them to use the Christmas period to remember their fallen comrades, particularly the late former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“The Nigerian Army will remain committed, determined, and focused on winning all land battles to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect national interests, and assist civil authority in a joint and multi-agency environment,” Oluyede assured.
Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigeria Army, also expressed appreciation for the soldier’s sacrifices, highlighting the challenges and successes in the division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He noted that despite the volatile security situation, the division has maintained stability, especially along critical routes like the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and the Abuja-Kaduna corridor.
The GOC emphasized the importance of continued motivation for the troops, acknowledging that the successes in tackling insecurity were made possible through their collective dedication.
He also stated that the Christmas luncheon served as a token of appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of the wounded and sick soldiers throughout 2024.
Saraso concluded by reinforcing the need for troops to remain committed to securing the division’s AOR and ensuring no safe havens for insurgents or terrorists.
(NAN)
