The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured soldiers that their welfare challenges will be addressed decisively.

Oluyede said with the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, concerted efforts were underway to improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families.

He gave the assurance while fielding questions from journalists at the end of a three-day operational visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

During the visit, the Army Chief commissioned several projects, addressed troops, and met with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.

Oluyede emphasised that the well-being of soldiers remained a top priority for him, noting that proper welfare was necessary to keep troops motivated for their assignments. According to him, the visit offered an opportunity to understand the challenges confronting troops at first hand.

He said: “I’m in the 6 Division Area of Responsibility primarily to assess the operational readiness of the Division, as well as to examine the welfare of my soldiers in particular. I’m very particular about the well-being of soldiers and their families.

“I’m going round the Division—except for 63 Brigade which I’ll come back to assess—to get a proper grasp of the challenges. With what I’ve seen, I know what needs to be done and I will tackle the issues within the resources available to me as the leader of the Army.

“I promised my soldiers that I’ll do my best, with the support of the Federal Government, to make life better for them. That’s why I came here and I believe my purpose has been achieved.”

Projects commissioned during the visit included the Headquarters 6 Division Extension, the Python Harmony House at the main entrance of the Division, a new Guard Room, two blocks of Corporals’ Quarters, renovated 10-family Corporals’ Quarters, and the remodelled 29 Battalion Quarter Guard.

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