COAS CHARGES ARMY BAND CORPS ON PERSONNEL RETENTION MENTORSHIP DISCIPLINE

COAS CHARGES ARMY BAND CORPS ON PERSONNEL RETENTION MENTORSHIP DISCIPLINE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the Nigerian Army Band Corps to strengthen personnel retention, mentorship and discipline to sustain professional excellence and operational effectiveness.

The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Army Band Corps 10th Annual Training Week and Retreat at Headquarters Nigerian Army Band Corps in Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos.

The retreat, themed “Building a Formidable Nigerian Army Band Corps: Strategies for Retention, Mentorship and Discipline in a Joint and Multi Agency Operational Setting,” focuses on preserving institutional knowledge, developing younger personnel and maintaining high professional standards. A ceremonial tree planting was also conducted as part of the event, underscoring the importance of environmental sustainability and the commitment to preserving a greener environment for future generations.

Lieutenant General Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, noted that the Band Corps plays a vital role in preserving military traditions, supporting ceremonial activities, boosting troop morale and strengthening civil military relations. He emphasised the need to transfer the experience of seasoned personnel to younger officers and soldiers through purposeful mentorship and sustained training.

He urged commanders to prioritise personnel welfare and professional development while upholding discipline and service obligations. He also tasked participants with identifying challenges confronting the Corps and developing practical recommendations to improve performance, sustain professional standards and prepare personnel for leadership responsibilities.

The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting the Corps and charged all personnel to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to duty.

Earlier, the Acting Director, Nigerian Army Band Corps, Lieutenant Colonel MA Toriola, applauded the COAS for approving and sponsoring the retreat. He described the event as an important platform for capacity building and professional development.

Lieutenant Colonel Toriola noted that the Corps contributes to the preservation of the Army’s musical heritage and ceremonial traditions, with its performances at military parades, state functions and national engagements promoting troop morale and projecting the image of the Nigerian Army.

He encouraged participants to engage actively in the sessions, learn from resource persons and develop practical strategies for retaining skilled personnel, strengthening mentorship and sustaining discipline. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce recommendations to enhance the Corps’ effectiveness and institutional continuity.

The retreat is expected to strengthen professional competence, teamwork and the Nigerian Army Band Corps’ capacity to meet the ceremonial and operational requirements of the Service.

AKINOLA AJIBOLA
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters 9 Brigade Nigerian Army