CurrentReport Blog In a resolute call to action, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged Nigerian troops to intensify their efforts in fulfilling their duties, regardless of the challenging environment they operate in. This appeal was made during his operational maiden visit to the Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade at Alamala Barracks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of the soldiers, ensuring them that the Nigerian Army Headquarters is actively working to address their concerns. He highlighted the ongoing transformation within the army, which has the full support of President Bola Tinubu and the current administration.
“The army is being transformed, and this transformation process has the backing of the president and the government of the day,” Lagbaja stated. He pointed to the renovation efforts underway in the barracks, attributing them to government funding. Additionally, he reassured the troops that longstanding issues, such as the backlog in Group Life Assurance claims affecting 6,400 families from 2012 to 2022, are being resolved.
Lagbaja’s address did not shy away from acknowledging the significant challenges faced by the troops, including inadequate accommodation, a rundown medical center, lack of a soldiers’ club, and electricity issues. “We have collated all these, and relevant departments at the army’s headquarters will act on them,” he assured.
Despite these hurdles, Lagbaja called on the troops to reciprocate the government’s investment by enhancing their performance and dedication. He invoked the adage, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” urging the soldiers to show gratitude for the substantial investment of taxpayer money by redoubling their efforts.
The COAS’s visit and his transparent communication about the steps being taken to improve the soldiers’ conditions aim to boost morale and reinforce the bond between the army and the government. As the Nigerian Army undergoes this significant transformation, the leadership’s commitment to addressing the troops’ concerns is clear, fostering an environment where soldiers can operate more effectively and with greater motivation.
