The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has expressed optimism that the coming year 2024 and beyond holds lots of prospects for Nigeria ad Nigerians.
Lagbaja, who spoke after commissioning a multi purpose hall built in his honour at the 8 Division, Nigeria Army Barracks in Sokoto, also had Christmas lunch with officers and men of the barracks where he personally serve some incapacitated officers from diverse operations in defence of the country.
According to the COAS, the Federal Government is committed to a better Nigeria for all, saying that, “Judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal Government , the year ahead holds a lot of prospects for Nigeria and the military in particular”.
Congratulating the gallantry of the Nigerian troops and their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, Lagbaja commended their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
He stressed that if not for the commitment to secure Nigeria, most of their colleagues would have loved to come and celebrate the festive period with their families but are duty bound to protect villages, hamlets, and beyond.
The COAS said, “They have the responsibility to stand on guard while their families rejoice and celebrate together sometimes not knowing how similar celebrations are going on in the barracks. To our gallant warriors, I say thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to duty”.
In his assurance to the gallant officers nationwide, the COAS said the Nigerian Army is expecting to take delivery of more helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better security environment develop across the country.
He further stated that the well being of officers and men of the Nigerian Army is of utmost importance to him, saying that he will continue to work tirelessly to provide them with the necessary resources and support to carry on their duties and to live meaningfully in abundance and contentment.
He said, “I am not oblivious, that we are constantly confronted by some challenges as we strive to fulfill our constitutional obligations. But they are by no means insurmountable. I have no doubt, that with the support of the executive and legislative arms of government, the combat enablers will further boost the physical, moral and conceptual components of our fighting paths in collaboration with sister security agencies with the goals of creating and maintaining a peaceful, safe and secure environment for economic activities to thrive”.
Continuing, Lagbaja said, “As the Chief of Army Staff, I desire to return your husband’s and loved ones back home safely. To this end, we will look forward to creating a more stable condition that will allow for drawdown in strength of troops deployed in all our forward operating bases.
”Another deployment across the country was our endeavor to help build capacity in the sister security agencies to take charge of our internal security effectively.
“Remember, you’re not alone in the fight against the enemy of this nation. The entire nation stands with you, supporting you in every step to defeat our adversary and have a peaceful Nigeria”.
Speaking in his vote of thanks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto and Commander, North West Joint Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Micheal Muktuk expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and the troops of the division for their dedication to a peaceful country.
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