By Tony Adibe
No fewer than 250 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Nigerian Army are currently attending RSMs Convention 2025 in Enugu. Declaring the convention open on Monday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said that RSMs must uphold discipline, regimentation and professionalism both at the barracks and theatres of operation.
NewsBits reports that the theme of the five-day convention is: “RSM’s Role in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness”. Represented by the Commander of Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, the COAS also urged the RSMs to continue and improve in their leadership role, mentorship and good examples to soldiers.
“Your role remains fundamental in our barrack organisation and operational successes in the Nigerian Army,” according to him.
He also said: “I will urge you to participate fully in the convention and take advantage of all knowledge and experiences shared both by the resource persons and retired RSMs.
“It is hoped that the convention will make a great impact and sharpen your effectiveness in all the formations you serve as well as ensure you conduct yourselves above board.”
The COAS appreciated the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army especially in the area of funding.
Also speaking, the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the convention would sharpen the regimental and operational skills and capacity of RSMs in all formations in the Nigerian Army.
Represented by Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Gambo, Director, Personnel Services, the chief of administration said that the convention was meant to get the RSMs fully prepared to lead soldiers in combat and professional readiness.
He said that the theme of the convention reflects the central role of discipline, regimentation, professionalism and mentorship expected from every RSM in the Nigerian Army.
“RSMs are the link between the soldiers and officers and their role to ensure operational and professional organisational and readiness remained vital to the Nigerian Army,” he said.
In a welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, noted that the convention is never a mere meeting, but an avenue to sharpen professionalism and regimentation among the RSMs.
Represented by the Garrison Commander of 82 Division, Brig.-Gen. Steven Dogo, the GOC also commended the COAS for his guidance, funding and selecting 82 Division to host the important convention.
“I urge the RSMs to continue to uphold the tradition, regimentation and professionalism in order to build a resilient and operational ready troops,” he said.
