Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, has proudly inducted 22 officers and soldiers into the ranks of pilots and certified aircraft engineers at the Nigerian Army Space Command. This landmark event took place during the closing of the COAS Annual Conference at the Command Officers’ Mess on Wednesday, marking a key moment for the Army as it strengthens its technological capabilities.
Oluyede expressed how important this achievement is for the Army, highlighting that these newly certified personnel are now fully trained to fly and maintain the Turkish-made Berakta TV-2 drones in the Army’s fleet. He also shared exciting plans for the future, revealing that the Army intends to procure even more unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the upcoming year, boosting its operations across multiple regions.
Turning to national matters, Oluyede addressed the 2024 budget proposal from President Bola Tinubu, hoping for a smooth process in defending the Army’s funding needs. He expressed optimism that timely release of funds would allow the Army to continue strengthening its operations. Over the past few days, he noted, there had been valuable discussions on refining Army strategies and practices to tackle growing security concerns, including terrorism and the rise of separatist movements.
One of the main takeaways from the conference was the Army’s commitment to embracing new technology. Oluyede shared that modern tech would be integrated into training programs, enhancing both the effectiveness of training and the Army’s ability to combat security threats. He made it clear that top-notch equipment will be deployed to training centers to ensure personnel are well-prepared for the challenges they face.
Looking ahead, Oluyede spoke about transforming the Army into a more motivated and battle-ready force, capable of working seamlessly alongside other security agencies. He also touched on an ongoing concern—soldiers’ accommodation—and promised that efforts would be made to accelerate existing housing projects and initiate new ones to address the growing need for accommodation.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede stressed the importance of soldiers’ welfare, vowing to create a “soldier-first” culture that recognizes their essential role in the Army’s success. He also thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support and assured Nigerians that the Army would continue to stand strong in defending the nation.
Through these developments, Lt. Gen. Oluyede is shaping a future for the Nigerian Army that blends modern technology with a focus on soldier well-being, all while ensuring the force is ready to meet the nation’s security challenges head-on.
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