President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the prompt payment of insurance entitlements owed to the families of officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation. This announcement was made on Monday by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, during the opening of the combined second and third quarters COAS conference held in Abuja.
One of the key initiatives unveiled is the implementation of the ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme.’ This program is designed with the goal of offering affordable and top-quality homes for soldiers once they’ve completed their service.
COAS reiterated the commitment to delivering exceptional medical care to wounded soldiers and maintaining unwavering support for the families of fallen heroes.
The conference, graced by the presence of army field commanders and leaders of various institutions and establishments, served as a pivotal platform for addressing critical concerns concerning the well-being and welfare of both troops and their families. Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja underscored the paramount significance of the armed forces’ and their families’ welfare, vowing to streamline existing welfare structures to enhance the soldiers’ dedication to their duties.
Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his directive to expedite pending insurance payments to the bereaved families and commended the President’s strategic guidance to the Armed Forces. He emphasized the unwavering loyalty of the Nigerian Army to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our per- sonnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high-quality post-service homes for our soldiers work.
“We shall also ensure that our injured warriors get the best medical care and continue to support the widows and next-of-kin of our fallen heroes,” Lagbaja maintained
The COAS also pledged;
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, want to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty and pledge our total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He called upon army personnel to maintain collaboration with other security agencies to decisively address the country’s security challenges.
Additionally, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) shared his strategic vision, with the objective of metamorphosing the Nigerian Army into a highly skilled, well-equipped, and motivated force, fully capable of executing its constitutional duties within a joint operational context. This vision is slated to serve as the guiding compass directing the army’s actions and involvements in both domestic and international operations.
The COAS emphasized that the central aim of the conference was to introspect on accomplishments, evaluate operations and activities conducted during the second and third quarters of the year, and craft strategic plans harmonized with overarching objectives. He highlighted the significance of candid discussions and insightful dialogues, all with the intent of arriving at well-informed decisions aimed at guaranteeing heightened achievements in military operations.
Simultaneously, as a demonstration of acknowledgment and gratitude, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja bestowed brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles upon eight Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) hailing from diverse army units and formations. This act further efforts to bolstering and improving the army’s capabilities.