BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has, in Sokoto, expressed optimism that the coming year, 2024 and beyond holds lots of prospects for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Lagbaja, who spoke after commissioning a multi purpose hall built in his honour at the 8 Division, Nigeria Army Barracks, Sokoto also had Christmas lunch with officers and men of the Barracks where he personally served food to some personnel who became incapacitated from different operations in defence of the country.
According to the COAS, the federal government is committed to a better Nigeria for all, adding, “‘Judging by the policies and unfolding programs of the federal government, the year ahead holds a lot of prospects for Nigeria and the military in particular.”
While commending the gallantry of the Nigerian troops and their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja commended their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
He stressed that if not for the commitment to a secure Nigeria, most of their colleagues would have loved to come and celebrate the festive period with their families but are duty bound to remain at their duty posts in difficult to access villages, hamlets, and beyond.
“They have the responsibility to stand on guard while their families rejoice and celebrate, sometimes not knowing how similar celebrations are going on in the barracks. To our gallant warriors, I say thank you for your sacrifices and dedication to duty,” the COAS noted.
The COAS revealed that they are expecting to take delivery of more helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better security environment develop across the country.
He further noted that the well being of officers and men of the Nigeria Army is of utmost importance to him, adding 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.
“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,” he stressed.
Continuing, he said, “as the Chief of Army Staff, I desire to return your husbands and loved ones back home safely. To this end, we will look forward to creating a more stable condition that will allow for draw down in strength of troops deployed in all our forward operating bases.”
Speaking in his vote of thanks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigeria Army, Sokoto and Commander, North West Joint Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Michael Muktuk expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and the troops of the division for their dedication to a peaceful country.
