In a move aimed at addressing the welfare of the nation’s military personnel and their families, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the immediate payment of insurance entitlements to the families of officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, during the opening session of the Combined Second and Third Quarters COAS Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The conference, a gathering of army field commanders and heads of institutions and establishments, signifies a crucial moment in the armed forces’ commitment to enhancing the well-being of its troops and their families.
COAS Lagbaja emphasized the paramount importance of the welfare of troops and their families, pledging to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to bolster the well-being of servicemen and women, ensuring they remain focused on their duties.
“In addition to providing suitable living quarters for our personnel, we are committed to implementing the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme,’ which aims to provide affordable and high-quality post-service homes for our soldiers,” COAS Lagbaja stated. “We will also ensure that our injured warriors receive the best medical care and continue to support the widows and next-of-kin of our fallen heroes.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his directive to expedite the payment of pending insurance benefits to the families and commended the President for his strategic guidance of the Armed Forces.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I want to reiterate our unwavering loyalty and pledge our total commitment to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” COAS Lagbaja affirmed.
The COAS urged army personnel to maintain collaboration with other security agencies to decisively address the nation’s ongoing security challenges.
Furthermore, COAS Lagbaja outlined his Command Philosophy, focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly trained, well-equipped, and motivated force to fulfill constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment. This philosophy will serve as a guiding framework for the army in all operations, both domestic and international.
Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, explained that the conference provided an opportunity for officers to deliberate on the state of affairs within the Nigerian army and develop future engagement plans. It also allowed COAS Lagbaja to convey his command philosophy directly to field commanders and institution heads.
Ibrahim highlighted the remarkable successes of the army’s kinetic and non-kinetic operations across various theaters of conflict, encouraging the army to persevere in its efforts.
“This conference is designed to provide us with a platform to reflect on achievements while assessing our operations and activities during the second and third quarters of this year to develop plans aligned with our overall goals,” he added.
Notably, during the conference, COAS Lagbaja presented new Toyota Hilux vehicles to eight Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) from different army units and formations, recognizing their outstanding service and dedication.
The directive by President Tinubu to expedite insurance payments to the families of fallen soldiers underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families, as they continue to safeguard the nation’s security interests. The COAS conference serves as a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the Nigerian Army and its operations to address the evolving security challenges facing the nation.
