JONATHAN PLEDGES IMPROVED WELFARE, BETTER EQUIPMENT FOR MILITARY

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the Federal Government will continue to place high premium on the development of a strong and efficient Armed Forces, including sustaining efforts at equipment modernization and lifting the morale and welfare of officers and soldiers.  Jonathan, who further assured that his administration would provide the resources for the training and development of officers and soldiers, made this pronouncement during the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh represented him. According to Jonathan, “there is no doubt that the outcome of the 2014 Conference will positively impact on the collective desire to strengthen the nation’s Armed Forces particularly the Nigerian Army to enhance public safety and security of lives and property,” adding, “The Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces, now more than ever before, requires constant self-appraisal and re-strategizing to tackle present and emerging threats to national and global security. I have no doubt that the outcome of this Conference will positively impact on our collective desire to strengthen our Armed Forces particularly the Nigerian Army to enhance public safety and security of lives and property.” “Let me remind you that the nation has entrusted on you the mantle of leadership of our dear Army at this very challenging period in our history. A lot is expected of you and I have no doubt that you will discharge your duties with the highest sense of responsibility,” the president said. In his address the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General KTJ Minimah, who declared that the 2014 Chief of Army Staff Conference was remarkably different from those of previous years, revealed that while previous editions focused on various presentations by guest speakers, the 2014 conference adopted the town hall meeting format, which he said was to facilitate deeper inter course of ideas on operational, administrative and logistical issues affecting the Nigerian Army.  Minimah expressed joy that the four-day conference achieved its objectives. Guardian (online)