October 15, (THEWILL) – Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured troops of the Nigerian Army that the Federal Government has given directives for the payment of the backlog of their group life assurance even to the families of deceased personnel who did not receive theirs while alive.
The COAS, who gave the assurance at the weekend during the inauguration of the 2 Brigade Headquarters Complex, Mbiokporo Cantonment, Akwa Ibom State, as part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units of the Nigerian Army, lauded the 2 Brigade for developing the Cantonment, which, according to him, was covered with dense vegetation in years past.
“I recall in January, this complex was still occupied with oil palm and other dense vegetation. This shows great transformation. I dedicate this edifice to the Glory of God and the benefit of man,” Lagbaja said.
The Army boss, who addressed the troops of the 2 Brigade shortly after the inauguration, lauded them for their resilience in maintaining adequate security in Akwa Ibom.
He advised them to show a high level of professionalism and discipline that the Army is known for, assuring them that their challenges and concerns have been noted and would be addressed in no distant time.
He urged them to remain loyal and dedicated to duties, as that was the only way to reciprocate the goodwill they received from the government.
The COAS also assured the troops that an arrangement had been concluded to build quarters for them so that they could bring in their families.
“We have awarded the contract, in the next one or two weeks contractors will start building accommodation.
“Other challenges of combat enablers, tools to work with, more vehicles and inadequate personnel within the brigade, we have taken note of that and I want to assure you that it would be addressed.
“So, my advice to you is to continue to remain dedicated and loyal.
“For the backlog of group life assurance, the government has already given directives that it should be paid and for the families of the deceased personnel whose group life assurance has not been paid, their families will receive it.
“The Federal Government has promised to buy helicopters for us and so many interventions, so continue to remain dedicated and loyal for that is the way of reciprocating the good gesture of the Federal Government,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander of the 2 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, while presenting a Souvenir to the COAS, noted that though he (Lagbaja) left the Brigade many years ago, his legacies remained indelible in the State.
Chigbu noted that the clock presented to him symbolises a tick of time of his footprints in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
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