The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nigeria Police to foster inter-agency cooperation and exemplify discipline in their duties. He made this appeal during the recently concluded Second RSM Convention 2024, held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) in Apapa, Lagos.
Themed “Fostering Improved Discipline and Regimentation in the Nigerian Army for Enhanced Capacity to Accomplish Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment,” the convention served as a platform to reinforce the pivotal role of RSMs in promoting discipline, regimentation, and seamless joint operations.
Addressing over 200 RSMs in attendance, General Oluyede emphasized the need to entrench discipline as a tool to curb inter-agency rivalry and foster unity among the armed forces, police, and other security agencies. He urged the RSMs to enhance discipline within their ranks to strengthen cooperation and cohesion, critical for addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“All hands must be on deck in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminality. Developing and exhibiting positive attitudes will promote joint operations necessary for restoring peace and order,” he said.
The Ag COAS also tasked the RSMs with mentoring their subordinates to motivate and lead troops effectively. He stressed that well-guided personnel are vital for maintaining operational readiness and fulfilling constitutional responsibilities.
Major General Jimmy Akpor, the Chief of Administration Army (COA), described RSMs as the link between officers and soldiers and custodians of discipline across formations. He noted that the convention aimed to address challenges related to discipline and regimentation within the armed forces and security agencies. He further charged the participants to prioritize transparency in barracks security, personal safety, and troops’ welfare.
The convention concluded with a commemorative tree-planting ceremony at NASFA, performed by General Oluyede, and was attended by senior officers from various security agencies.
In a related event, the Ag COAS commissioned the newly constructed 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Interns Accommodation at Yaba, Lagos. The three-story facility features 84 furnished rooms designed to enhance the welfare of hospital interns.
During the commissioning, General Oluyede urged personnel to maintain the building to avoid unnecessary expenses on rehabilitation. He also assured soldiers of additional welfare-focused projects under his leadership.
The Second RSM Convention underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to discipline, collaboration, and operational efficiency across security agencies.