Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede has pledged a renewed commitment to improving the welfare, training, and overall operational readiness of Nigerian troops.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration Lecture held in Abuja on Saturday, the Army Chief emphasized that prioritizing the well-being of soldiers through responsive leadership, quality training, and institutional reforms is critical to building a more resilient and effective force capable of addressing modern security challenges.
The event, Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025 Lecture, focused on the theme “The Soldier First Concept and the Future of the Nigerian Army: Shaping a New Culture for Army Transformation.”
According to Oluyede, the theme was carefully selected to provoke critical reflection on the evolving role of the soldier in modern warfare and how a renewed focus on individual welfare, leadership, and professional excellence can transform the Army’s institutional culture.
Delivering his welcome address, the COAS described the lecture as a timely opportunity for military and civilian stakeholders to engage with the ideals behind the Soldier First policy, a framework that prioritizes troop training, equipment, leadership, and administration, while promoting reciprocal values such as discipline, dedication, and service.
“The concept emphasizes the importance of responsive leadership that addresses the needs of troops while ensuring that soldiers reciprocate with adherence to the Nigerian Army’s core values,” Oluyede stated.
He further noted that in an era defined by hybrid threats, asymmetric warfare, and fast-evolving battlefields, the relevance of a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated soldier cannot be overstated.
As part of his administration’s efforts to bring the concept to life, Oluyede highlighted several policy directions already underway.
“These include the promotion of leadership styles where commanders prioritize troop welfare above personal interest, renewed attention to quality housing, healthcare, and family support for soldiers, and a deliberate push for merit-based promotions, commendations, and awards.
“A soldier who sees that his wellbeing is a top priority for his commanders is more likely to stay motivated and resilient, even in the face of adversity,” he stressed.
In training and capacity development, the COAS revealed that the Army Headquarters Department of Training has been tasked with revamping the curricula of all military training schools to meet the demands of today’s complex operating environment.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Army is working closely with tri-service institutions to align doctrinal instruction with emerging threats and technologies.
According to him, soldiers, particularly those in lower tactical command must be able to express their ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of reprisals.
“This environment will foster trust and fairness, which are the foundations of professionalism,” he added.
Oluyede pledged continued investment in morale-boosting initiatives and operational support systems to ensure that soldiers have the leadership, equipment, and resources necessary to carry out their missions effectively.
The event was graced by two notable former Chiefs of Army Staff, Azubike Ihejirika who served as Special Guest of Honour, and Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), the Guest Lecturer.
Their presence, Oluyede said, symbolized the enduring bond among leaders of the Nigerian Army past and present.
“I thank our eminent guests for honouring this invitation. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to the ideals that bind us together in the Nigerian Army family,” he said.
The COAS concluded his address by welcoming all guests to what he described as a “rewarding intellectual engagement,” expressing hope that the discussions would shape strategies for a more effective and soldier-focused military force.