Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has directed Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) to observe traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army strictly and step up regimental activities in their various formations.
Buratai gave the directive in Owerri at the closing ceremony of a five-day Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention 2020 with the theme “Regimentation as an Instrument of Professionalism: The Role of the RSM.”
The COAS, who was represented by Major Gen. Usman Yakubu, the Chief of Administration (Army), expressed his belief that the participants had been refreshed on their roles and responsibilities as regimental sergeant majors and as a bridge between the officers and soldiers.
He said that they had also been further exposed to the various dynamics of professionalism aimed at enhancing troops’ responsiveness in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
Burutai urged them to take all they learnt back to their formations/units and ensure that they constantly drew the attention of their commanders and commanding officers to the lapses in unit training in order to develop troops’ capacity through effective training.
“It is also your responsibility to ensure that social vices are completely eliminated in our barracks. This, therefore, calls for you to be more responsive in the discharge of your duties.
“I charge you to have a change of attitude and develop positive attitude towards your duties and responsibilities as regimental sergeant majors.
“You are to also ensure that welfare issues are taken seriously as it is your responsibility to know the challenges every soldier under you is facing,” Buratai said.
Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Tukurah, the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Imo, expressed optimism that the series of presentations and interactions at the meeting greatly enriched the knowledge of the participants and urged them to impact same knowledge to their various formations and units.
He also expressed optimism that the convention would exceptionally improved the participants’ approach to regimentation and discipline which would subsequently improve the professional conduct of the troops.
“It is also my expectation that the lessons learnt during this convention would be put to good use for the overall benefit of your units, formations and the Nigerian army at large,” he said.
Newsmen reports that Tukurah, on behalf of the Nigerian Army, expressed gratitude to Imo Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for gracing the occasion and being a good host.
He also thanked the COAS, the Chief of Administration (Army), the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, and the senior officers both serving and retired for their support in the successful hosting of the convention.
Tukurah commended the participants, the guests, guests lecturers, discussants and the moderators, organising committee and the media for making the programme a huge success.
The participants, in turn, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for enriching and equipping them in the area of professionalism and discipline in the force.
Mr Ibrahim Zakariah and Mohammed, both Army Warrant Officers, said they had learnt a lot at the convention – an annual event aimed at making them responsive and responsible in the performance of their duties.
Mrs Grace Pethon of the Nigeria Army Women’s Corps pledged, on behalf of other participants, to take the message of discipline and responsibility to their various divisions, units, formations.
They also promised to give soldiers the best in terms of combat regiment as well as check social vices at the barracks.
Newsmen report that the highlight of the programme was the presentation of certificates to participants and souvenirs to deserving army officers.