The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has said the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda is now firmly anchored on improving its personnel’s welfare and professional capacity to secure every corner of the nation effectively.
He said this was part of efforts to reposition the force for greater operational effectiveness and national service.
The army chief speaking at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday during a press briefing to flag off activities for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, said the focus on soldier welfare is captured under the theme for this year’s event, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.”
Oluyede, represented by the chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi said,
“This theme was carefully selected as it espouses our renewed drive to transform the Army by placing our soldiers first.
“The Nigerian Army, as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement to equip the soldier better to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.”
The COAS stressed that the Army is committed to ensuring that the well-being of its officers and men becomes the cornerstone of its internal reforms.
“We recognise that the army’s effectiveness lies in the soldier’s quality and welfare. When the soldier is well taken care of, well-trained, and well-equipped, the nation is safer, and our democracy is more secure,” he said.
He further emphasised the Nigerian Army’s efforts to innovate, modernise, and enhance its national development and security capabilities.
“The Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to equip the soldier better to carry out his constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
Lt. General Oluyede said in recent times, Nigeria has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to the borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues.
He, however, said that the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.
“In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues. Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty. In this vein, the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian People and the perpetuity of our democracy. “
The army chief also highlighted the longstanding history and legacy of the Nigerian Army, which is celebrating 162 years of existence this year.
He traced the army’s origin to 1863, when Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy established the “Glover Hausas,” a small local force that laid the foundation for what would become a key pillar of Nigeria’s defence structure.
“From the two World Wars to our own Civil War, and from peacekeeping across Africa to the ongoing battles against terrorism, Nigerian soldiers have never failed to answer the call of duty.
“This celebration is not only a time to honour that legacy but also to ensure that the Nigerian soldier of today is empowered to meet new and emerging challenges.”
As part of the NADCEL 2025 activities, Oluyede said the Army will commission civil-military cooperation projects, provide free medical services, and conduct community outreach programmes led by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association. Public lectures and school engagements will also be held across formations to promote national values and civic responsibility.
He expressed appreciation to media members for their role in shaping public perception of the military. He said, “It is important to acknowledge the long-standing partnership we share with you, which has significantly enhanced our operations recently. I reaffirm our commitment to maintaining cordial working relationships with you, other security stakeholders, and all well-meaning Nigerians.”
