The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian soldiers, vowing to implement the “soldiers first” principle in his command. He made this commitment while addressing troops of the 26 Brigade in Dutse during his working tour of the formation on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Gen. Oluyede emphasized his administration’s dedication to improving the standard of living for soldiers, revealing plans to increase the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) to enhance their feeding, regardless of deployment locations. He also urged troops to take advantage of ongoing welfare initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Ownership Options for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) and financial empowerment schemes designed to support soldiers and their families.
Highlighting the impact of the AHOOAS scheme, the Army Chief disclosed that over 400 soldiers, including those wounded in action, have already benefited from the housing program. He encouraged troops to maintain peak physical and professional standards through rigorous training.
Commending the soldiers for their dedication to securing their area of responsibility, Gen. Oluyede warned against any form of misconduct, stressing that disciplinary measures would be enforced without hesitation. He later inspected the newly completed Brigade Headquarters, ongoing projects, and officially commissioned the Brigade’s new Obstacle Course.
Earlier, the Commander of 26 Brigade, Brigadier General Joseph Mackintosh, briefed the COAS on the security situation and operational challenges in the area. He assured the Army Chief of the Brigade’s continued resilience in safeguarding lives and property within its jurisdiction.
With this renewed commitment to soldiers’ welfare, Lt. Gen. Oluyede signals a new era of prioritizing troops’ well-being in the Nigerian Army.
About The Author
