GOC charges soldiers to imbibe army’s core values

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, has charged soldiers to continue to imbibe and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army.

Mijinyawa gave the charge at the 2024 174 Battalion West Africa Social Activities (WASA) held in Ikorodu on Saturday.

The GOC, represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Col. I.B. Sheriff, urged soldiers to place service to the nation above personal interest.

“Let me urge you to continue to imbibe and uphold the core value of our chosen profession of integrity, selfless service, courage and respect, loyalty and discipline.

“Service interest to the nation must always be placed above personal interest. I want to assure you that under my watch, hard work, innovation, and creativity will certainly be rewarded,” he said.

The GOC said that 174 Battalion, apart from providing security for lives and property within its area of responsibility, also conducts robust day and night operations against pipeline vandals.

According to him, the Battalion also provides protection for key and vulnerable points as well as critical national assets in Lagos State.

“To a very large extent, current and ongoing operations have proven to be very effective while counting on the infinite mercies of God for the New Year.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that this regimental function among others is being held in the Battalion.

“I want to, at this juncture, specially applaud the efforts of the Commanding Officer 174 Battalion for this well packaged regimental function.

“Your efforts would certainly not have been possible without the commitments and dedication of the officers and soldiers of the Battalion, including their families.

“I am indeed very proud and therefore urge you to maintain the tempo in subsequent events,” he said.

Mijinyawa said that the country was grappling with the challenges of fourth generation warfare involving non-state actors in the act of terrorism, insurgency and wide range of other security threats.

“The WASA is no doubt, indeed, a period of regimental celebration, however, let me seize this opportunity to remind us of the myriads of security challenges confronting the Armed Forces and the nation in general.

“Fortunately, since the assumption of office of President Bola Tinubu GCFR, we have all began to see changes.

“The security situation in the country has improved significantly under the directions and command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, while other important sectors are gradually taking good shape,” he said.

Earlier, Lt.-Col. Oludiran Fagbola, Commanding Officer of 174 Battalion, said that WASA is a prominent regimental event in the Nigerian Army because of its socio-cultural value to personnel.

He commended officers and their families for their participation.

“In order to preserve our cultural heritage, WASA gives us the opportunity to display the various cultural dance, cuisine, language and dress among other diversity in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The origin of WASA can be traced as far back as the second World War, when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force.

“During this period, indigenous Nigerian Army personnel celebrated their cultural heritage at the end of every year,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two soldiers were given special awards for displaying excellence in their areas of responsibility in 2024.