By Peter Amine
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the multiple achievements recorded in combating terrorism, banditry and other unscrupulous elements across the country are significantly attributable to improved personnel welfare.
Shaibu stated this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Army Project Management Workshop held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi.
The COAS, who was represented by Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, restated commitment to better welfare packages for officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
“The unwavering willingness of our personnel to engage in combat is directly linked to the care and responsibility for their well-being. This entails purposeful commitment to their welfare of our troops and their families.
“Key welfare packages include the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure across Nigerian army formations and units, ranging from accommodation and office complexes to training schools, medical facilities and other essential structures within the barracks.
‘Sustaining this drive and providing adequate facilities depend entirely on efficient project planning and management. I am personally committed to supporting all the initiatives that enhance the wellbeing and working environment of our personnel.
“I am pleased that the objective of this workshop aligns perfectly with my desire to improve mutual trust, foster unity of purpose through teamwork and advance the welfare of the Nigerian army officers and soldiers,’’ he said.
Shaibu stated that the workshop was designed to enhance the capabilities of project officers and specific terms, the cutting-edge skills in line with global standards.
The COAS explained that the ultimate goal of the workshop is to guarantee the projects’ success of the Nigerian Army through effective skills acquisition and application.
He added that the strategic integration of technology in project management is a key driver to foster innovation and promote sustainability.
Shaibu expressed confidence that the training would provide the needed platform for accessing current practices learnt from shared experiences and charting for achieving even better results in the future.
“Let me use this opportunity to restate my command philosophy, which is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibility within a joint multi-agency environment.
“It is heartwarming to note that, in line with my command philosophy to promote jointness in operations, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute successfully to several joint operations nationwide, ensuring that innocent Nigerians are protected and go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all security stakeholders whose relentless effort contributed immensely to the fight against insecurity.
“We will continue to work assiduously with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies’ relevant stakeholders towards ensuring enduring peace in our dear nation.
“Let at juncture specially commend the commander cops of engineers for dedication and sacrifice for Nigerian Army engineers officers and soldiers and the fight against insecurity.
“Indeed, the contribution of Nigerian army engineers has been instrumental to the successes we have achieved. I also commend you for the many direct labour projects we have successfully executed across the country,” he added.
The Commander Corps of Engineering (CCE), Maj. Gen. Shamsideen Sharafu, said that the annual workshop was meant to build the capacities of army engineers.
Sharafu, who was represented by Commandant NASME, Maj. Essien Ekpenyong said that army engineers continue to benefit from the workshop as a platform enhancing professional practice in engineering construction and project management.
The Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, Maj.-Gen. Bayo Adetoro said that the theme of the workshop is ‘Optimising Quality Project Delivery in the Nigerian Army through Comprehensive Planning, Effective Cost Management and Timely Execution’.
Adetoro said that experienced project managers were brought in as resource persons to train the participants. NAN
