The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged battalion commanders to demonstrate exemplary leadership in their respective commands to enable troops to tackle emerging threats to national security effectively.
Oluyede made this call while addressing battalion commanders participating in the just-concluded First Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2025, held at the Headquarters of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.
Oluyede described battalion commanders as a crucial link between the operational and tactical levels of command.
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He stated, “They must demonstrate the essential leadership qualities of responsibility, accountability, and moral courage to lead their troops effectively in both battle and peacetime.”
The army chief further urged the commanding officers to “brace up to address threats to national security in their respective areas of responsibility.”
He also called on them to remain unwavering in their loyalty to the government and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Oluyede commended the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, and his team for organising the workshop for battalion commanders.
He also expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his continued support of the Nigerian Army’s transformation efforts.
While addressing troops of the division, the COAS praised them for their sacrifices in combating security challenges across the country and urged them to remain steadfast and professional.
He reassured them that the welfare of soldiers and their families remains his top priority.
Oluyede pledged to ensure the regular provision of uniforms, kits, and combat enablers, improved office and residential accommodation, access to soft loan schemes, increased Ration Cash and Instructors’ Allowances, and affordable housing.
During his visit, he also inaugurated the 2 Division Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants Station at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment and a Military Police Holding Facility at Mokola Barracks.
Additionally, Oluyede approved the immediate rehabilitation of the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess in the cantonment, as well as the 81 Battalion Officers’ Mess in Mokola.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, stated that the workshop aimed to reinforce both individual and collective commitment towards the COAS’s vision of a highly motivated and combat-ready army.
Onubogu added that the workshop would provide battalion commanders with insights into improved tactical operations, strategic planning, and leadership skills to enhance operational and administrative efficiency across various theatres of operations.
(NAN)
