The Nigerian Army ‘s sustenance of the ongoing modernization has received the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), President Muhammadu Buhari assurance of activating the Nigerian Army Aviation to effectively address contemporary security challenges bedeviling the nation.
According to Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, the President made the remark during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2022 with the theme: “Building a Professional NA for the 21st Century Security Environment” held at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
President Buhari noted that deliberate efforts have been put in place to fast-track the take-off of NA Aviation through the acquisition of requisite platforms, as proposed in the 2023 budget. The President reiterated his confidence in the NA and other services to defend Nigeria through the implementation of presidential directives. President Buhari asserted that as an element of national power, the NA will continue to be the catalyst of national development through the provision of support to civil authorities. He added that the Federal Government would keep up its strong policies for modernizing the NA and the Nigerian Armed Forces in general.
Buhari noted that the ongoing process of modernization of the Armed Forces has tremendously improved its capacity and combat efficiency to discharge its constitutional roles. He commended the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies for improved synergy in accomplishing his directives, adding that the renewed vigour in operations and improved Civil Military co-operation will enable the nation achieve the desired national security objectives.
The president urged the NA to consolidate on its achievements through the sustenance of an offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Nigerian President assured that government will continue to cater for the families of deceased personnel who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria, through provision of welfare schemes and educational scholarship programmes.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal extolled the tireless efforts of the NA and other security agencies towards ensuring peace and security in Sokoto state.
Gov Tambuwal commended their resolve and collective contribution to the improved security in North West Nigeria and other regions. In his remarks during the Conference, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi(rtd) stated that the NA has contributed immensely towards combating insecurity in the country.
He asked commanders to use the conference to propose workable answers to the security issues facing the nation.
In his welcome address, the COAS, Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya said the conference is taking place at a time the NA received tremendous support from Mr President, which has boosted the capability of the NA and the Armed Forces in general. He pointed out that year 2022 has been eventful for the NA, particularly in all theatres of operations, where successes have been progressively recorded.
The awarding of the Nigerian Army Recognition Award to several distinguished Nigerians who have supported the NA in the fields of health care, education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment of widows and orphans was the event’s high point. Alh Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, Chairman of the BUA Group, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, Col. Hameed Ali, (Ret. ), Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr. Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank, Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Foundation, and Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Former COAS, are the recipients of the NA Recognition Award.
