'Your Welfare Is Our Priority' - COAS Addresses Troops in Sokoto

‘Your Welfare Is Our Priority’ – COAS Addresses Troops in Sokoto
Nigerian Army approves infrastructure projects for Illela Barracks
Shuaibu stresses discipline, training, and leadership among young officers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has charged officers and men of the newly established 248 Battalion at Illela Barracks in Sokoto State to take pride in their posting, describing them as pioneers entrusted with laying a strong foundation for the unit.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Shuaibu gave the charge on Saturday during a visit to the battalion, where he assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority for the Nigerian Army. He urged them to view their deployment as an opportunity to build a legacy that would endure.

Addressing officers and soldiers during an interactive session, the Army Chief described their posting to the new battalion as a badge of honour, particularly encouraging young soldiers to approach the task with dedication and commitment.

“You are the pioneers of this unit, and I want you to wear that badge of honour,” Shuaibu said.

“Rome was not built in a day. Gradually, we will build this barracks, and when you look back years from now, you will be proud to say you were part of those who laid the foundation.”

The COAS disclosed that the Army Headquarters had approved immediate infrastructural interventions aimed at improving living and working conditions at the Illela Barracks.

He said the approved projects include the construction of additional accommodation, the development of a parade ground, and the construction of an access road leading into the barracks.

“I have listened to your Commanding Officer and the challenges you face,” he said.

“We have approved the construction of additional living quarters, your parade ground, and the road coming into these barracks.”

Shuaibu assured the troops that efforts were ongoing to fast track the projects to enhance comfort and operational effectiveness.

He also addressed young officers, particularly lieutenants, describing them as the backbone of the battalion’s operational strength. He tasked them with ensuring continuous and rigorous training of soldiers, stressing the importance of leadership by example.

“In our time, we called you ‘fire eaters’,” he said.

“You are responsible for training these soldiers day and night. You will lead them into battle, and how you conduct yourselves now will determine how your men follow you.”

The Army Chief further reminded officers and soldiers of the responsibility attached to their presidential commission, emphasising discipline, professionalism and sound leadership as key to sustaining operational readiness.

Addressing the soldiers directly, Shuaibu urged them to obey their officers and remain guided, noting that national security depended largely on the strength and commitment of young military personnel.

“Every nation depends on its young people. Being young means you have the strength to do more,” he said.

“While we will do our best to provide what you need, you must continue to do what is expected of you as soldiers.”

The visit ended with an interactive session during which the Army Chief responded to questions from the troops. He was accompanied by senior officers from the Army Headquarters.