In a recent address at the Regimental Dinner Night held at Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos on Thursday, January 11, 2024, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), assured retired senior officers of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC) that their wealth of experience and expertise in financial management and budgeting would continue to be harnessed by the Nigerian Army (NA), even after their retirement from active service.
According to Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, during the event organized to honor former Chiefs of Army Accounts and Budget, along with other retired senior officers of the NAFC, CoAS Lagbaja expressed gratitude for the retiring officers’ courage, financial prudence, and investment management during their over three decades of meritorious service to the nation. He acknowledged their dual roles as finance officers and, at times, as defenders of national interests in situations requiring the use of arms.
CoAS Lagbaja further appreciated the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nation and emphasized the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to implement stringent financial measures aimed at curbing impropriety and wastage to revamp the country’s economy. He urged the NA to align with these measures, emphasizing the importance of prudent management of limited resources and advising finance officers to guide their commanders in ways that uphold the Service.
Highlighting the significance of events such as the Regimental Dinner Night and Pulling Out parades, which are integral to the NA’s traditions, CoAS Lagbaja stressed that these ceremonies serve as morale boosters for serving officers and provide hope for those approaching retirement.
Commending Major General Adetokunbo Fayemiwo, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), for organizing the memorable event, CoAS Lagbaja pledged continued support for the NAFC and other Corps of the NA. He reiterated his commitment to transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force aligned with constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unwavering support, COAS Lagbaja affirmed the NA’s dedication to its constitutional responsibilities and commitment to supporting the President’s vision for Nigeria’s progress.
The Regimental Dinner Night concluded with a loyal toast to the President, Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
