IntercontinentalNewsReservoir: COAS charges newly commissioned Officers to put Nigeria first

By Muhammad Tijjani

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged the newly commissioned 250 officers of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 to place Nigeria above all personal interests.

Speaking on Saturday at the Passing Out Parade held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry(NASI), Jaji, Shaibu congratulated the cadets for completing the rigorous training required for the Presidential Commission.

The Army chief described the milestone as the product of “years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience and determination.”

He reminded the officers that they were “stakeholders in the noble mandate of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty,” urging them to remain focused and rely on their training as they get deployed to various operational theatres across the country.

“Nigeria must come first in all the decisions and actions you will take,” he said.

Shaibu assured the officers that they would never be alone in difficult situations, stressing the bond of comradeship within the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps.

He encouraged them to uphold character, courage, professionalism and resilience, while remaining faithful to the oath of service.

The COAS emphasised the importance of sound leadership, planning and discipline, advising the officers to always maintain clarity of purpose.

He said, “A bad plan is better than none at all,” he noted, urging them to act “with the hope for success and not the fear of failure.”

Shaibu also highlighted measures put in place to support their welfare during service and in retirement, urging them to embrace continuous professional development.

According to the COAS, this is in line with his command philosophy of building a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready Army.

Reiterating the military’s commitment to democratic governance, Shaibu reminded the personnel that subordination to constituted authority was crucial for professionalism.

He assured Nigerians that the army remained committed to protecting lives, property and the nation’s territorial integrity.

The COAS praised the Commandant and staff of the Infantry School for the successful training of the cadets and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for sustained support to the Army.

He reaffirmed the forces’ loyalty to the government and the constitution.

Shaibu also appreciated Gov. Uba Sani and the residents of the state for their collaboration with the army.

He congratulated the cadets and their families, urging them to prepare for the ardous responsibilities ahead.

“The Nigerian Army awaits you all in the field,” he said.

Earlier, Commandant NASI. Maj.-Gen. Frank Etim highlighted that the course, which commenced on 6 September 2025, was deliberately structured to instill leadership, physical fitness, integrity and loyalty. The cadets were also trained in counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency tactics to prepare them for current operational challenges.

He declared the new officers fully prepared for higher responsibilities and urged them to remain steadfast as they step into command roles. “Be prepared for uncharted challenges. Yield to nothing,” he charged.