7th September, 2015
The Nigerian Army on Monday re-stated that it would continue to ensure adequate welfare of its personnel to boost their service delivery.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, gave the assurance at the opening of the 2015 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) Convention in Maiduguri.
Buratai said that steps would also be taken to provide kits for troops taking part in different operations.
“I want to reassure you that troops’ welfare will continue to receive my utmost attention.
“Every step is being taken to ensure that you get the best in terms of uniforms, boots and equipment as well as medical care among others.”
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had pledged his total support for the military in the campaign to restore territorial integrity of the country.
“I wish to assure you of the Federal Government’s continuous support to the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its mission.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his total support to our armed forces in its current campaign to restore the territorial integrity of our dear nation,” Buratai said.
The army chief said the convention provided avenue for interaction and cross-fertilisation of ideas between officers entrusted with leadership and RSMs who were custodians of ethics and values of the service.
“Enhancing the capacity of the RSMs to be professionally responsive in the discharge of their roles” was selected in line with the transformation agenda in the army,” Buratai said.
“RSMs occupy an important position in the drive towards repositioning the Nigerian Army as the most important link between officers and soldiers as well as custodians and repository of unit regimentation.
“It is pertinent to re-emphasis that my vision cannot be attained without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly motivated crops of RSMs who are ready to willingly and effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times.”
Buratai urged participants to fashion out how best the RSMs could perform their roles in the army.
“As you deliberate on key issues bothering our army today, I urge you to fashion out how best to perform your roles without losing sight of likely challenges of the future.
“The task of maintaining discipline, trust and confidence in our army will continue to be challenged by the ever evolving constraints of asymmetric warfare coupled with the limitations on our freedom of action imposed by greater scrutiny and accountability,” he said.