The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has charged officers and men of the newly established 248 Battalion, Illela Barracks, Sokoto State, to take pride in their posting, describing them as pioneers entrusted with laying a solid foundation for the unit.
Shuaibu, who visited the battalion on Saturday, assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority for the Nigerian Army, while urging them to see the assignment as an opportunity to build a lasting legacy.
Addressing officers and soldiers during an interactive session, the Army Chief described their deployment to the new battalion as a badge of honour, particularly encouraging young soldiers to embrace the challenge with commitment and dedication.
“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 several immediate infrastructural interventions to improve living and working conditions at the Illela Barracks.
According to him, the approved projects include the construction of additional accommodation, the development of a parade ground, and the construction of an access road leading to 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.”
He assured the troops that the Nigerian Army was committed to ensuring their comfort and operational effectiveness, adding that efforts were ongoing to fast-track the projects.
Shuaibu also addressed young officers, particularly lieutenants, whom he described as the backbone of the battalion’s operational effectiveness.
He tasked them with ensuring rigorous and continuous training of soldiers, stressing that leadership by example remained critical to mission success.
“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 the need for discipline, professionalism and sound leadership to sustain operational readiness.
Addressing the soldiers directly, Shuaibu urged them to obey their officers and allow themselves to be guided, noting that Nigeria’s security largely depended on the strength, discipline and commitment of its 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.”
Naijaonpoint reports that the visit ended with an interactive session, during which the COAS fielded questions from the troops. He was accompanied by senior staff officers from the Army Headquarters.