COAS vows to build a professional Army

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has reiterated the army’s commitment to building a professional army that can guarantee security.
Yahaya stated this while declaring open the combined Directorate of Army Physical Training Officers’ conference and maiden seminar held at the Army School of Physical Training yesterday.
The COAS who was represented by Director, Training Army Headquarters. Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo, said the conference is an apt and a proof that the Directorate of Army Physical Training would reposition itself to meet contemporary challenges of the army.
He said the innovative steps taken by the Directorate was in line with his vision to build a professional army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in the defence of the country.
He expressed delight that the directorate had significant number of personnel in joint operations such as operation Hadin Kai and other internal security operations across the country.
He urged all tactical level commanders and other participants to make the most use of the interactive sessions in view of efforts at repositioning the army.
Yahaya assured that the Army is not only conceptually sound but also physically sound to pursue criminal elements wherever they are.
The COAS appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari’s relentless support to the army as well as the defence minister and chief of defence staff for their continue support.
Yahaya also appreciate the untiring support for the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, in his address, the Director, Army Physical Training, Brig.-Gen. Adeolu Fawole, said that in spite the COVID-19 pandemic, giant strides had been recorded in the area of sports.
He assured the public that the directorate would continue to mobilise talented sportsmen in the army for future exploits and and provide improved fitness training for operational readiness.