The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) of the Nigerian Army to inspire their subordinates and foster trust with the Nigerian public by ensuring adherence to established practices and codes of behavior both during and after duty.
According to a statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, on May 28, 2024, General Lagbaja made these remarks while officially opening the 2024 RSM Convention at the Abbysynia Hall of Seventeen Hotel in Kaduna State.
General Lagbaja emphasized the critical role RSMs play in maintaining discipline and regimentation within the Nigerian Army, especially amid the challenges posed by globalization and advancements in information and communication technology. “It is in acknowledgment of the critical roles played by our RSMs that the Army Headquarters has deemed it necessary to sustain the hosting of this all-important convention on a biennial basis to focus on selected themes,” he stated.
The theme of this year’s convention, “Traditions, Customs, and Ethics of the Nigerian Army as the Bedrock of a Well-Trained and Highly Motivated Force,” was selected to build on the previous convention’s focus on leveraging sound administration for operational efficiency. General Lagbaja noted that the convention aims to deepen the understanding of issues addressed previously.
He highlighted that the convention is designed to equip RSMs with the knowledge and skills to better serve as custodians of the Army’s traditions, customs, and ethics in a contemporary context. In line with his command philosophy of sound administration, General Lagbaja reiterated his commitment to promoting the welfare, well-being, and wellness of Nigerian Army personnel.
General Lagbaja underscored that achieving a well-trained and highly motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities requires the dedication of RSMs to uphold the Army’s traditions and ethics. “The attitudinal credentials for professional and effective soldiering are all embedded in the rich traditions, customs, and ethics of the Nigerian Army,” he elaborated.
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and confidence in the Nigerian Army.
In an address to the convention participants, Chief of Administration (Army) Major General Jimmy Akpor emphasized the importance of customs, traditions, and ethics in binding the Army together. He stated that RSMs, as the custodians of these values, should continually uphold and pass them on.
The convention, hosted by 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, drew approximately 300 RSM participants from formations and units across the country. The event also saw attendance from representatives of the Kaduna State Governor, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies.
The event concluded with the COAS planting a palm tree to commemorate his presence at the convention.
Following the opening ceremony, General Lagbaja inaugurated a newly upgraded Radiodiagnostic Centre and installed a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine at the Nigerian Army 44 Reference Hospital in Kaduna. This initiative is part of his commitment to improving the welfare and wellness of Army personnel. He urged hospital staff to utilize and maintain the facility for the benefit of personnel and their families.