UYO – President Goodluck Jonathan weekend promised that his administration would modernize military equipment to enable it to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, charging officers that a lot is expected of them.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Conference 2014 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, President Jonathan reminded officers that the nation had entrusted the mantle of leadership of the army in their hands at this very challenging period in the country’s history.
He was represented at the occasion by the
Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.
According to him, “a lot is expected of you and I have no doubt that you will discharge your duties with the highest sense of responsibility.
“I must not fail to salute the courage of our servicemen and women who have been at frontline of the war against extremist elements in the North East.
“I wish to pay my profound tributes to all our fallen heroes and heroines who have paid the supreme sacrifices to safeguard our nation.  The country remains forever indebted to them”.
Jonathan said the main objective of the Chief Conference was to deliberate on ways of improving the Nigerian army capacity to discharge its constitutional roles.
He said that measures would be put in place to ensure improved welfare packages for the officers and men to enhance their morale in protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
“Let me reiterate that the Federal Government under my leadership will continue to place high premium on the development of a strong and effective armed forces.
“Accordingly, we will sustain our efforts at providing the resources needed for the training and development of officers and soldiers”, he said.
According to him, I am confident that the aim has been achieved.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, said conference was remarkably different from that of the previous years.
According to him, this year’s conference adopts the town hall format.
While noting that the aim of the conference had been achieved, he said, “our next action will focus on implementing the decisions reached.
“I believe that our ultimate goal of optimising our capacity to combat present and emerging challenges would be realisable if our post conference follow up action is undertaken with commitment and zeal.”
He, therefore, urged the commanders and staff in all formations, units and other Nigerian army institutions to work towards realising the objectives of the conference.