COAS tasks soldiers on professionalism

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has called on army personnel to be responsive and professional in the discharge of their duties. The COAS made the call during the Passing out Parade (POP) of 4,828 soldiers of the 81 Regular Recruit Intake on Saturday in Zaria.

Yahaya, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer of the POP, urged the recruits to maintain a high standard of professionalism and remain good ambassadors of the Depot, Nigerian Army, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“As for the passing out recruits, you are all aware, Nigeria is currently facing numerous security challenges such as the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, secessionist agitators, and other criminal elements.“ I wish to state that these security challenges can only be surmounted by the collective resolve and effort of every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army, including those of you passing out today,’’ he said.

Yahaya urged the new soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months as well as those you will be exposed to at your respective units, formations, and corps. He added that the army expected them to uphold the Nigerian Army core values of loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity, and respect for others which are sacred to all personnel.

“These values, along with another cherished ethos of the Nigerian Army, if well imbibed and upheld, will help you attain great heights in your chosen career,” Yahaya said.

The army chief also advised the soldiers on the importance of the Oath of Attestation they have sworn to. The COAS said: “By this oath, you are under obligation to remain loyal to constituted authorities at all times and place the interest of the nation ahead of your personal convictions.’’

Yahaya noted that the Depot Nigerian Army since its establishment in 1924 has borne the responsibility of moulding selected able-bodied citizens into well-trained and disciplined soldiers to meet the manpower demands of the Nigerian Army.

He pointed out that the function of moulding selected able-bodied citizens into well-trained and disciplined soldiers was of utmost importance and remained relevant considering the numerous security challenges presently bedeviling Nigeria.

Yahaya said he was glad to report that Depot Nigerian Army has continued to plan and conduct its training activities in compliance with the Army Headquarters Training Directives. He said the training was also in cognizance of his vision of having “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS also inaugurated a Children’s Park in the cantonment and inspected some other projects.

(NAN)