The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has formally assumed office with a promise to adopt an all-inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army, capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Oluyede made this statement while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army shortly after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal taking over of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.
The COAS, who commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in keeping the nation united, also thanked them for their support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whom he noted had offered dedicated service to the nation.
General Oluyede, while calling on Commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges bedevilling the country, noted the importance of innovation in providing security solutions. He charged them to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.
The COAS, who spoke about his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, assured them of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
The COAS noted that the Nigerian Army recognises the fluidity of emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Earlier, in his address, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor, had described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old Nigerian Army flag was retired to the Nigerian Army Museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the Nigerian Army.
Credit: The Sun