43
KADUNA- A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, says Nigerian Army’s transformation drive is hinged on putting soldiers first.
Yahaya said this on Saturday in Kaduna while delivering a lecture as part of the. activities organised to commemorate the 162 years anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
The title of the lecture was;Yah ‘The Soldiers First Concept In Shaping A New Culture For Transformation in the Nigerian Army.’
Yahaya said, “Putting soldiers first entails prioritising their well-being, training and combat effectiveness, among others.”
According to him, putting the soldiers first is crucial in addressing the country’s multifaceted security challenges.
The former army chief emphasised the importance of prioritising the soldiers role in the Nigerian Army’s activities.
“The ‘Soldier First’concept recognises the unique skills, experiences, and challenges of individual soldiers.
$It entails ensuring that soldiers are well-trained, prepared, and supported to fulfill their current and future responsibilities effectively.
“The Nigerian Army operates in a volatile security environment characterised by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and economic sabotage.
“The Army must continuously review its strategies, training, and combat effectiveness to deter or combat threats to national security,”he said.
Speaking further, Yahaya stated that putting soldiers first was a good step in the right direction for the Nigerian Army’s transformation drive.
He said that when fully actualised, it would elevate the Army’s skills, competences, performance, and effectiveness, enhancing operational success in the face of multifaceted security challenges.
“The implementation of the soldier first concept requires serious intervention by the Federal Government, particularly in critical areas of equipping, kitting, and provisioning, accommodation, and healthcare.
“Effective training, adequate care for soldiers’ well-being, and discipline are also essential,”Yahaya said.
Earlier, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the topic was selected to serve as an avenue for critical reflection of the soldiers’ duties and the dynamics that aligned operational and tactical requirements.
Oluyede said that the concept also took cognisance of the expected reciprocal actions of all soldiers, which could rightly be summed up as adherence to the core values of the Nigerian Army.
“More importantly, it will explore the nexus that connects the evolving battlespace, generational warfare of today and the role of the individual soldier in our operations,”he said.
The army chief, therefore, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that troops have the tools to perform their duties efficiently.
He said, “The Nigerian Army must, therefore, seek transformation, which goes beyond structural changes.
“It would be the product of a rearticulated mindset aimed at fostering selflessness and commitment to duty in serving the nation.”
Oluyede added that the renewed drive towards ensuring soldiers first had influenced the Nigerian Army’s policies in some key areas.
This, he said, was seen in his administration’s conscious promotion of the leadership style where Commanders prioritise the needs of their subordinates and their mission above personal gain.
“Also, the concept underscores the importance of providing quality housing, healthcare, and family support systems.
“The idea is that a soldier who understands that his well-being is the priority of his commanders at all levels and his Chief of Army Staff, will naturally be motivated and encouraged to perform better even in the face of adversity.
“In the area of training, i have directed the Army Headquarters Department of Training to pay close attention to all the training schools.
“This is as we are working closely with the tri-service institutions to ensure that all training curricula reflect the requirements of today’s operating environment,”the COAS said.
Oluyede, therefore, restated his leadership commitment in establishing merit-based promotions, commendations, and awards to deserving individuals.
This, he said, was key to encouraging excellence, hard work and loyalty within the ranks, adding,” soldiers are more likely to uphold the Army’s core values when their sacrifices are recognised and their efforts are not diminished.”
In the near future, the army chief said, he hoped to empower junior leadership to develop a sense of responsibility while also creating a conducive environment where information flows freely and unabated between all levels of command.
This, he said, would encourage the soldiers, particularly the lower tactical commanders, to share ideas, concerns, and constructive criticisms without fear of reprisal.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to promote the fundamentals of fairness, which will undoubtedly improve trust within the ranks .
“This will also enhance professional conduct. It is our solemn duty to continue to take decisions to boost our soldiers’ morale, stoke their resilience, and enhance their collective effectiveness in fulfilling missions.
“To this end, continuous effort will be made to ensure that our soldiers have the correct leadership, equipment and resources to effectively carry out their duties,” Oluyede said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika was the Special Guest of Honor for the lecture.
Also, another former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was present, while senior serving and retired officers were present at the lecture. NAN)