By HeapNews
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nigeria Police to curb inter-agency rivalry while upholding discipline, regimentation, and the traditions of their respective services.
Speaking at the recently concluded Second RSM Convention 2024, themed “Fostering Improved Discipline and Regimentation in the Nigerian Army for Enhanced Capacity to Accomplish Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment,” General Oluyede emphasized the critical role of RSMs as custodians of discipline. He urged them to mentor subordinates and instill a culture of collaboration to address Nigeria’s security challenges effectively.
“Discipline and regimentation are the bedrock of cooperation among our armed forces and security agencies. Without these, we risk unnecessary rivalries that can undermine our collective mission,” General Oluyede said. “You must lead by example and ensure unity and cohesion to strengthen joint operations for the peace and stability of our nation.”
He also tasked the RSMs with raising the standards of discipline within their units to foster seamless inter-agency operations and improve responses to terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
Major General Jimmy Akpor, the Chief of Administration (Army), also addressed the convention, underscoring the unique position of RSMs as a bridge between officers and soldiers across the armed forces and security agencies. “This convention is vital to appraise the state of discipline and regimentation across formations, ensuring a cohesive and professional force capable of tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” Akpor stated.
The event, held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) in Apapa, Lagos, saw over 200 RSMs in attendance. It featured a commemorative tree planting by the Acting COAS and the commissioning of a new accommodation facility at the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
While commissioning the facility, which comprises 84 furnished rooms, General Oluyede urged personnel and interns to maintain the building’s standards. “We must ensure this structure is preserved to avoid unnecessary expenses on reconstruction. Under my watch, soldiers’ welfare will remain a priority,” he affirmed.
The convention’s closing ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies..