The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and leading with empathy.Â
He made this pledge during his first operational visit to the Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The visit is part of his ongoing tour of army formations and units across the country.
During his address to officers and soldiers, Lt. Gen. Oluyede stressed the importance of maintaining a professional, well-trained, and motivated army.
 He outlined plans to tackle accommodation issues by ensuring all personnel have access to adequate housing.
He also emphasized the need for rigorous training to keep the army combat-ready and efficient, urging officers to take ownership of their responsibilities and uphold professionalism to improve the institution.
Upon arrival, the COAS was received with a ceremonial quarter guard and briefed on the operational activities of 1 Division by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso.
As part of the visit, Lt. Gen. Oluyede inaugurated several projects designed to enhance the welfare of army personnel.
These included the new 1 Division Officers’ Mess Annex at Dallet Barracks and the remodeled Corporals Below Quarters at Kotoko Barracks, Ribadu Cantonment. Each facility features 30 housing units aimed at improving living conditions for soldiers.
The GOC expressed his gratitude to the COAS for the visit and assured him of the division’s unwavering loyalty and dedication.
The visit also featured an interactive session with the troops, where Lt. Gen. Oluyede reiterated his commitment to their welfare and professional growth.
