By Lawrence Audu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has restated his commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerian Army personnel and that of their families, under his watch.
The COAS gave the assurance Saturday, while addressing troops and their families at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps West African Social Activities (WASA) marking end of the year 2023, held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Parade Ground, Arakan Barracks, Apapa Lagos.
Describing welfare as the number one pillar upon which Sound Administration rests in his Command Philosophy, the COAS, reassured troops that their welfare tops the priority of his agenda for the Nigerian Army. He pledged that he will not fail to improve troops’ welfare at every opportunity.
General Lagbaja urged the troops to be on the lookout as more efforts to improve the standard of living accommodation across NA’s barracks and cantonments will become more visible in the new year. The COAS promised to work in consonance with Mr President’s stringent financial measures to curb wastage in order to revamp the country’s ailing economy.
According to the Army Chief, “We hope to achieve this, despite budgetary constraints, through prudent management of available resources.”
“I assure you that irrespective of the belt-tightening measures that government policies may require, the Army Headquarters will continue to invest in programs and initiatives that will enhance your welfare and well-being”, the COAS averred.
In his remarks, the Chief of Account and Budget (Army) (CAB(A), Major General Adetokunbo Fayemiwo expressed appreciation to the COAS for providing the requisite support to the Corps, through enhancement of capacities of its personnel. He described WASA as an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of diverse tribes and tongues from the six Geo Political Zones of the country and a platform for officers and soldiers to unwind after a very busy and tasking year.
General Fayemiwo assured that the Corps will continue to support the COAS in achieving his goals for the Nigerian Army through efficient and prudent fiscal management. He also assured the COAS of the unalloyed loyalty and cooperation of officers and soldiers of the Corps.
The Nigerian Army Finance Corps had earlier honoured nine of its senior officers in a Pulling Out Parade organized to honour retired and senior officers of the Corps on Friday 12 January 2023. The retired senior officers honoured in the Pull Out Parade include, Maj Gen AO Adetayo (Rtd), Maj Gen JE Jakko (rtd), Maj Gen AR Bakare (rtd), Maj Gen AB Adamu (rtd), Brig Ge NL Isama (rtd), Brig Gen OF Ohunyeye (rtd), Brig Gen OA Adenuga (rtd) and Brig Gen II Adamu (rtd).
The Nigerian Army Finance Corps WASA 2023 featured rich cultural performances by different cultural troupes, a tug of war between female soldiers and soldiers’ wives, presentation of awards to outstanding soldiers and prizes to performing cultural troupes.
