The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has charged troops of the 248 Battalion, Illela Barracks, Sokoto State, to take pride in their role as pioneers of the newly established unit, while assuring them that their welfare remains a top priority of the Nigerian Army.
Addressing officers and soldiers on Saturday, during a visit to the battalion, Lt Gen Shuaibu described the posting as a badge of honour, urging personnel—particularly the young soldiers—to see the assignment as an opportunity to build a legacy they would be proud of in the future.
“You are the pioneers of this unit, and I want you to wear that badge of honour.
“Rome was not built in a day. Gradually, we will build this barracks, and when you look back years from now, you will be proud to say you were part of those who laid the foundation,” the Army Chief said.
The COAS disclosed that Army Headquarters had approved several immediate infrastructural projects to improve living and working conditions at the barracks.
These include the construction of additional accommodation, the development of the parade ground, and the construction of the access road leading to the barracks.
“I have listened to your Commanding Officer and the challenges you face. We have approved the construction of additional living quarters, your parade ground, and the road coming into these barracks,” he announced, assuring troops that efforts were underway to make their stay comfortable.
Shuaibu also addressed young officers, particularly lieutenants, whom he described as the backbone of the unit’s operational effectiveness.
He tasked them with ensuring rigorous and continuous training of soldiers, stressing that leadership by example was critical to mission success.
“In our time, we called you ‘fire eaters’. You are responsible for training these soldiers day and night. You will lead them into battle, and how you conduct yourselves now will determine how your men follow you,” he said.
The Army Chief further reminded officers and soldiers of the responsibility that comes with the presidential commission, noting that discipline, professionalism, and proper leadership were essential to sustaining operational readiness.
Addressing the soldiers directly, Shuaibu urged them to listen to their officers and allow themselves to be guided, stressing that Nigeria’s security depends largely on the strength, discipline and commitment of its young military personnel.
“Every nation depends on its young people. Being young means you have the strength to do more. While we will do our best to provide what you need, you must continue to do what is expected of you as soldiers,” he said.
The visit ended with an interactive session, during which the COAS invited questions from the troops, accompanied by senior staff officers from Army Headquarters.
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