COAS Oluyede Wings 22 Pilots, Aircraft Engineers, to Strengthen Operations with Modern Tech
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced that in 2025, the Nigerian Army would invest more in modern technology to strengthen operations and emphasized the importance of realistic and focused training as he winged 22 qualified officers and soldiers as pilots and certified aircraft maintenance engineers.
General Oluyede made this know at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference today Abuja, he highlighted the Army’s plans to enhance training, adopt modern technologies, and provide improved accommodation for personnel.
General Oluyede described the three-day conference as “refreshing and rewarding,” noting that it provided a platform to assess the Army’s activities over the past year and strategize for the future. “We deliberated extensively on innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism, banditry, and other violent extremists that threaten the peace and security of our dear country,” he said.
“Since training directly influences operational outcomes, the Army will promote realistic and focused training throughout the force,” he stated, adding that specialized training programs would be reviewed to ensure operational success.
To enhance professionalism, General Oluyede revealed plans to assign the Army’s best personnel to training schools. “This will ensure we produce well-trained personnel with the requisite skill set to meet the demands of current and future operations,” he said. “I look forward to entrenching a soldier-first culture across the force by ensuring proper attention is paid to soldiers’ welfare,” he remarked.
On training, the COAS stressed that he has directed that Nigerian Army best equipment be posted to Nigerian Army training schools to drive professional military education and produce well-trained personnel with the requisite skill sets to meet the demands of the current and future operations. He noted that the Nigerian Army is looking forward to doing things differently in kinetic and kinetic operations in the coming years.
The highlight of the closing ceremony of the COAS Annual Conference 2024 was the presentation of Mr Essien Edidiong Favour, a Student of Command Science Secondary School, Efa, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State to the Chief of Army Staff and other principal officers, the winner of the WAEC/Vatebra Merit Award for Best Overall Male Candidate in public secondary school in the WASSCE for school candidate, 2023 in Nigeria.
Speaking on the eligibility for the award, the Director of Education (Army) said “To be considered for the Award, the school must have presented more than 50 candidates and sat for at least 8 subjects.
“Additionally, the school should not be culpable of any form of Examination Malpractice and the grade that produced the Best Aggregate Results to qualify for the Trophy must be obtained without any hint of impropriety”
On the winging of 22 qualified officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers, the army Chief said their winging is a moral booster and confirms their certification to fly and maintain the Turkish Berakta TV-2 drones in our inventory to strengthen professionalism and combat readiness, utilizing his common philosophy.
“The Nigerian Army plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to enhance its operations across all theatres,” he disclosed. Acknowledging the government’s support, General Oluyede commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the Army. “I assure Mr. President and the good people of Nigeria of the Nigerian Army’s dedication to the defense and security of our beautiful and blessed land,” he stated.
The Nigerian Army looks forward to a smooth project defence and timely release of appropriated funds in the new year to facilitate its activities.
