Major-General Jamal Abdussalam, the Nigerian Army’s General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, stated that the Nigerian Army is still dedicated to the welfare of its soldiers.
While doing so, he urged commanders at all levels to put their troops’ and their families’ well-being first.
During the commissioning of various projects at the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele Barracks in Rivers State, which were carried out by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kaan, the Commanding Officer, 343 Artillery Regiment, Major-General Abdussalam made this statement.
Some of the projects commissioned included a 200-meter concrete road connecting senior non-commissioned officers’ quarters to the medical center, Corporal below quarters, an indoor sports and recreation center, a tennis court, and a renovated squash court.
He stressed that the majority of the projects inaugurated have a direct impact on the lives of the troops and their families, pointing out that prior to the renovation work, the occupants were paired to make use of some facilities.
He expressed happiness that with the complete remodelling, each room has its own facilities, which he says makes it dignifying.
He said, “All of these projects directly affect the well-being of our soldiers, and as I informed the Commanding Officer, everything he has done is in perfect harmony with the ‘put the soldier first’ philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede.
Therefore, the soldier comes first in all we do. All of these initiatives are focused on the welfare of the troops and their families in order to further the Nigerian Army’s transition into a combat-ready, highly motivated force capable of carrying out its constitutional duties in a cooperative, multi-agency setting.
Major-General Abdussalam continued by saying that most of the Chief of Army Staff decisions have been influenced by his “Soldiers First” ideology. He therefore called on Commanding Officers to support the Chief of Army Staff “Soldiers First” program and make it the focal point of whatever they do.
He also encouraged Commanding Oficers to maximize the limited resources available to their forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaan, the Commanding Officer of the 343 Artillery Regiment, was commended by Major General Abdussalam for initiating valuable projects that enhance the lives of soldiers and their families.
In order to benefit themselves and their families, Abdussalam urged the residents of the newly renovated block to band together and take care of the facility, stressing that “to whom much is given, much is expected.
Prior to starting the full reconstruction, the 30-room block had entirely deteriorated, according to Lieutenant Colonel Kaan, the Commanding Officer 343 Artillery Regiment, who thanked the General Commanding Officer and other senior commanders who attended the event.
According to Kaan, his decision to completely revamp the rooms in accordance with the Chief of Army Staff’s “soldiers first” philosophy for the sake of the troops was influenced by their terrible condition.
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