COAS motivates Troops, assures of prompt payment of Group Life Assurance backlog

By Abiodun OBA

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has motivated the Nigerian Army troops through an encouraging hope.

This as the Army Boss assured that the Federal Government’s directive on the payment of the backlog of their group life assurance, even to the families of deceased personnel who did not receive it while alive, will be heeded without further delay.

The COAS gave the assurance while inaugurating the 2 Brigade Headquarters complex at Mbiokporo, near Uyo, as part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units of the Nigerian Army over the weekend.

Gen. Lagbaja urged them to remain dedicated to their duties and loyal, as that was the only way to reciprocate the goodwill they received from the government.

The COAS also assured the troops that arrangements have been made to build quarters for them so that they can bring in their families.

“We have awarded the contract, and in the next one or two weeks, the contractors will start building accommodations.

“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 will 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 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.

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 also praised the 2 Brigade for developing the Cantonment, which, according to him, was covered with dense vegetation in years past.

“I recall that in January, this complex was still occupied with oil palm and other dense vegetation. This shows a great transformation. I dedicate this edifice to the glory of God and the benefit of man,” Lagbaja said.

He advised them to show the high level of professionalism and discipline that the Army is known for, assuring them that their challenges and concerns have been noted and will be addressed in no distant time.

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 from his footprints in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.