The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigerian Army personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to their duties in the face of evolving security challenges across the country. He made this call during the inauguration of several projects at Adekunle Fajuyi and Letmauck Cantonments in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday. The projects aim to improve the living and working conditions of personnel and their families.
The projects inaugurated include two 10-man transit accommodation units for corporals and below, five blocks of 36 family Corporals' and Below Quarters, and two regimental sergeants major's houses. Additionally, the 81 Battalion Officers' Mess, sports facilities, and semi-detached three-bedroom married officers' quarters were commissioned at Letmauck Cantonment. These projects are part of the Nigerian Army's efforts to develop a professional, combat-ready, and resilient force.
Lt Gen Shaibu emphasized the importance of upholding the core tenets, values, and traditions of the Nigerian Army, including discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, and professionalism. He charged personnel to consistently demonstrate the highest standards of conduct, accountability, and respect for constituted authority. The Army chief also urged personnel to sustain their commitment to duty and remain vigilant in discharging their assigned responsibilities.
The Nigerian Army chief described the projects as deliberate investments in human capital, which is the Army's most valuable operational asset. He stressed that the longevity of the structures depended on how well they were managed and urged beneficiaries to embrace a proper maintenance culture. Lt Gen Shaibu also warned that failure to maintain the facilities would defeat their purpose and emphasized the need for personnel to be held accountable for their care and upkeep.
The Commander of 42 Engineer Brigade, Uchechukwu Okoroji, noted that the condition of the structures before renovation had been a major welfare concern. He identified troops' welfare and sound administration as central to operational effectiveness. The Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion, Lt Col Chiemezie Asogwa, thanked the Army chief for approving and facilitating the projects, which reflect Lt Gen Shaibu's commitment to improving the living and working conditions of personnel and their families.
The projects are expected to boost personnel morale and commitment to duty. Lt Gen Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to prioritizing personnel welfare and recognizing the sacrifices of troops in the service of national security. The Army chief's efforts aim to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies to address emerging security threats.
The inauguration of these projects underscores the Nigerian Army's commitment to building a professional, combat-ready, and resilient force. The Army chief's charge to personnel to remain vigilant and committed to their duties is seen as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and security across the country. The Nigerian Army's efforts to improve personnel welfare and operational effectiveness are ongoing.
Key points
- Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu charges Nigerian Army personnel to remain vigilant and committed to their duties amid evolving security challenges.
- The Nigerian Army inaugurates several projects to improve living and working conditions of personnel and their families.
- The projects aim to boost personnel morale and commitment to duty, enhancing operational effectiveness and national security.
