From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has formally assumed office with a promise to adopt an all inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army, capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Oluyede, said this while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army shortly after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal taking over of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.
The COAS who commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices to keep the nation one, also thanked them for their support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja whom he noted to have offered dedicated service to the nation.
General Oluyede, while calling on Commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges bedeviling the country, noted the importance of innovation in profering security solutions, charged them to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.
The COAS, who spoke on his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism insurgency in Nigeria.
The COAS noted that the NA recognizes the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Earlier, in his address, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor had described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old NA flag has to be retired to NA museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the NA.