By Jennifer John
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has posited that the presence of the Military, especially the Nigerian army in Imo State, gives people of the state a sense of security.
Senator Uzodimma made this remark in his speech during the opening ceremony of Nigerian army regimental Sergeant Majors Convention at the Trade and Investment Centre, Owerri, Imo State, with the theme “Regimentation as an instrument of professionalism, the role of Regimental Sergeant Majors.
“Imo people have always enjoyed the assuring presence of the Nigerian army, which gives them a sense of security and has helped to ensure a convivial and peaceful atmosphere for business to thrive.
“It is, therefore, a thing of joy that the Nigerian army found Imo State worthy again to host the RSM convention after the state played host to the same convention in 2018. We in Imo State are indeed very proud and happy to host this event as many times as you may find us worthy”.
The Chief of Army Staff, Leftnan General Tukur Yusuf Buratai in his address, said the training will adequately position the Regimental Sergeant Majors to continue to serve as key players towards the achievements of his vision for the Nigerian army, describing them as custodians of discipline in the Nigerian army.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by Left General LN Adeosu said his vision and mission was to restore the core values of the Nigerian army, through discipline, regimentation and professionalism. He said the theme of the convention was carefully selected to re-emphasize the importance of regimentation as the bedrock of professionalism in any military formation.
Buratai disclosed that the convention was designed to further equip Sergeant Majors with all the requisite knowledge to enable them to perform their roles professionally and serve as links between officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army. He urged them to take the training seriously.
Earlier in his welcome address, Major General L A Adegboye, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, reemphasized that the Chief of Army Staff’s vision was to have a professionally responsive Nigerian army which he said cannot be achieved without a professional and highly regimented crop of Regimental Sergeant Majors, who are ready and willing to effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times.
“, therefore,e urge the participants to plan on how best you can perform your roles at different levels in the interest of the Nigerian Army and the country at large.