Farouk Yahaya: Prioritising soldiers key to army’s transformation

Farouk Yahaya, former chief of army staff (COAS), says the Nigerian Army’s ‘soldiers first’ initiative is a step in the right direction for its transformation drive.

Delivering a lecture in Kaduna on Saturday to mark the Nigerian Army’s 162nd anniversary, Yahaya said putting soldiers first entails prioritising their well-being, training, and combat effectiveness, among other incentives.

The lecture was titled ‘The soldiers first concept in shaping a new culture for transformation in the Nigerian Army’.

Yahaya emphasised the importance of prioritising the soldiers’ role in the Nigerian Army’s activities, adding that such effort would address the country’s multifaceted security challenges.

“The ‘soldier first’ concept recognises the unique skills, experiences, and challenges of individual soldiers,” he said.

“It entails ensuring that soldiers are well-trained, prepared, and supported to fulfil their current and future responsibilities effectively.

“The Nigerian Army operates in a volatile security environment characterised by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and economic sabotage.

“The army must continuously review its strategies, training, and combat effectiveness to deter or combat threats to national security.”

Yahaya said the initiative, when fully actualised, would elevate soldiers’ skills, competences, performance, and effectiveness, enhancing operational success in the face of multifaceted security challenges.

“The implementation of the soldier first concept requires serious intervention by the federal government, particularly in critical areas of equipping, kitting and provisioning, accommodation, and healthcare,” he said.

“Effective training, adequate care for soldiers’ well-being, and discipline are also essential.”

WE’VE PRIORITISED MERIT-BASED PROMOTIONS FOR DESERVING SOLDIERS– COAS

Olufemi Oluyede, the COAS, said the topic of the lecture was selected to serve as an avenue for critical reflection on the soldiers’ duties and the dynamics that align with operational and tactical requirements.

Oluyede said the concept takes cognisance of the expected reciprocal actions of all soldiers, which, according to him, could rightly be summed up as adherence to the core values of the Nigerian Army.

“More importantly, it will explore the nexus that connects the evolving battlespace, generational warfare of today, and the role of the individual soldier in our operations,” the army chief said.

“The Nigerian Army must, therefore, seek transformation, which goes beyond structural changes.

“It would be the product of a rearticulated mindset aimed at fostering selflessness and commitment to duty in serving the nation.”

Oluyede said under his watch, the Nigerian Army has prioritised soldiers’ needs, with commanders adopting a leadership style that puts subordinates’ needs and mission objectives above personal gain.

“Also, the concept underscores the importance of providing quality housing, healthcare, and family support systems,” the COAS said.

“The idea is that a soldier who understands that his well-being is the priority of his commanders at all levels and his chief of army staff will naturally be motivated and encouraged to perform better even in the face of adversity.

“In the area of training, I have directed the army headquarters department of training to pay close attention to all the training schools.

“This is as we are working closely with the tri-service institutions to ensure that all training curricula reflect the requirements of today’s operating environment.”

Oluyede said his leadership has prioritised merit-based promotions, commendations, and awards for deserving soldiers, fostering a culture of excellence, hard work, and loyalty within the Nigerian Army.

“Soldiers are more likely to uphold the army’s core values when their sacrifices are recognised and their efforts are not diminished,” he said.

The COAS added that he will empower junior leaders, foster open communication, and promote fairness, trust, and professional conduct within the Nigerian Army, aiming to boost soldiers’ morale and effectiveness.

Also present at the lecture were Tukur Buratai, a former COAS from 2015 to 2021, and other retired officers.