Photo: The new vehicle being distributed to RSMs
The Nigerian Army has started giving official vehicles to the Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in its service in fulfilment of its promise to empower them towards enhancing their functionality.
The army in a statement on Thursday issued by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Wednesday handed over a brand new Toyota Hilux to the RSM of Headquarters 7 Division, Master Warrant Officer Mohammed Babayo, during an operational visit to Maiduguri.
It said that the army had earlier on July 6, similarly presented two Hilux vehicles to the RSMs of Army Headquarters and Army Headquarters Garrison during the Nigerian Army Day in Abuja.
The statement said that the COAS, while presenting the vehicle, said the move was aimed at restoring the prestige associated with the office of an RSM, which he said was the custodian of Nigerian Army customs, ethics and traditions.
The statement further explained that the move was in fulfillment of an earlier promise which the COAS had made, adding that it was meant to reinforce regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
“RSMs in the Nigerian Army and the military globally, play a pivotal role. They play a pivotal role in refining, grooming, and putting the regimental lives of young officers and soldiers in check, when freshly deployed to the unit, on passing-out from their respective training institutions.
“It is therefore paramount to provide them with requisite logistics to enhance their confidence and competence.
“This will reinvigorate and empower them for their essential role as a bridge between the commanders and the soldiers in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army,” the statement added.
