- Seeks support of traditional institutions
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has identified logistics as a critical component in war, if decisive success must be achieved.
The COAS made this known during his remarks at the Combat Service Support Training Week 2021, held at Brigadier General KH Yakubu Officers’ Mess, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State.
Army spokesperson, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a press release said the COAS further stated that experiences in the North East and other theatres of operations have sufficiently demonstrated that the need for essential logistics supplies in all forms of operations cannot be over emphasized, if operational success must be made.
“In the same vein, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State re-affirmed the support of the Edo State Government for the Nigerian Army(NA), especially in light of the enormous and selfless sacrifices of troops, who put their lives in harms way, in order to foster peace, progress and development in the country.
“The governor made this declaration during the event, while highlighting the State Government’s effort in the ongoing construction of a 20- room hostel accommodation for the NASST.
“Also speaking at the event, the Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Bolaji Salami stated that the training week would afford the Combat Service Support Arms of the NA the opportunity to discuss topical issues that border on logistics and how best it could be streamlined in support of NA operations. He thereafter urged the participants to come up with a robust logistics blueprint that would assist the NA in defeating its adversaries.
“Major highlights of the event was the inspection of the ongoing construction of the 20-room hostel accommodation by Governor Godwin Obaseki accompanied by the COAS, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters and Corps Commanders and a static display of inventions and innovations by various combat service support corps of the NA.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant General Yahaya has called on Royal fathers of the traditional institution across the country to support the military and other security agencies with their reverred influence in their various kingdoms and domains.
“The COAS made the entreaty while on a courtesy visit to the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo, Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundu the second, The Deji and paramount ruler of Akure Kingdom.
“The COAS also stated that he was on a working tour of 2 Division area of responsibility and found it necessary to pay obeisance to the traditional institution. He noted that the continuous support of the royal fathers is critical to troops’ operational success.
General Faruk Yahaya lauded the peaceful coexistence and cordial relationship existing between the Nigerian Army and the people of Akure and encouraged its sustenance.
“The Nigerian Army, he reiterated will continue to work tirelessly with other security agencies not only in Ondo state, but the entire country.
“Addressing officers and soldiers of 32 Artillery Brigade, the COAS stated that the visit was aimed at familiarizing with the personnel and obtaining first hand information on their welfare and challenges. He charged them to exhibit gallantry in the fight against banditry, insurgency and other sundry crimes. He urged troops to be committed, dedicated and professional during operations, reiterating the need to remain responsive and work as a team to maximize operational gains. He admonished the troops to remain loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President, Commander-In-Chief.
“The COAS assured the troops that their welfare is paramount to the NA. He. however, reiterated the zero tolerance posture of his command to acts of indiscipline.
“General Yahaya also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) at the Governor’s office where he assured of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the sustenance of peace and tranquility. The Governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
