The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has commended the officers and men of 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment, Ogoja, Cross River State, for their perseverance and sacrifices in safeguarding the security of Nigeria.
Oluyede made the commendation on Tuesday as part of his assessment tour of the formations and units under the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Area of Responsibility in an operational visit to Godwin Ally Barracks.
According to a release sent out by the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS visited the facilities, mixed with the soldiers, and appreciated their dedication in spite of demanding operational needs.
Oluyede, in emphasizing his commitment to welfare of soldiers and their families, pledged to refurbish schools within barracks to grant soldiers’ children quality education. He also instructed the refurbishment of rundown accommodations within weeks to improved standards.
“The Nigerian Army under my leadership is still committed to improved living and working conditions for our troops as well as equipping them to respond to evolving security challenges effectively,” Oluyede vowed.
He added further that the recent increase in Ration Cash Allowance had supplemented feeding of soldiers, and revealed ongoing efforts to equip every Army personnel with new uniforms and basic kits.
The Army Chief explained that the action was aimed at improving operational readiness, morale, and esprit de corps in line with his “Soldiers First” motto.
Oluyede assigned the troops the duty of maintaining the utmost level of discipline and professionalism, as well as synergizing with sister security institutions and host communities to achieve sustained peace and stability in the area.
