The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in the Nigerian Army to serve as exemplary leaders and role models for other soldiers in their various units and formations.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede made the call during the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army’s first-ever RSMs Convention held at the Crispan Hotel Hall in Jos, Plateau State. The week-long convention, which ran from May 26 to 31, 2025, was hosted by the Headquarters of 3 Division and aimed to enhance leadership, professionalism, and morale among senior non-commissioned officers across the country.
Highlighting the strategic importance of RSMs, the COAS described them as a vital link between officers and soldiers, saying, “The RSMs actually stand as a buffer between the officers and the soldiers. I call them the fathers of our units.”
He continued, “They are expected to conduct themselves in ways that inspire discipline and regimentation among junior soldiers. In essence, they are the embodiment of discipline in the Nigerian Army.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede explained that the convention was designed to improve the effectiveness of RSMs in their leadership roles and strengthen operational efficiency within the army.
“We are here to assess their performance and examine how they can further contribute to our operational effectiveness. I came here specifically to motivate them to do more, as our fathers in the system, to help our soldiers act more professionally both within and outside the service,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of soldiers and their families, emphasizing that enhanced welfare is critical to achieving peak performance in the military.
As part of the ceremony, the COAS presented certificates of recognition to outstanding RSMs for their exemplary service and commitment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General L.A. Fejokwu, hailed the convention as a “historic milestone” and praised the RSMs for their dedication and coordination throughout the event. He encouraged participants to apply lessons learned, share experiences, and reinforce regimentation in their respective units.
The convention was held under the theme: “Culturing Exemplary Professional Leadership for Improved Motivation and Operational Efficiency in the Nigerian Army.”
The event marks a significant step in institutionalizing leadership development among senior non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army.