The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi O. Oluyede, visits the headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and commissions projects
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Headquarters of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Major General Eric Emekah has received the Chief of Arrmy Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi O Oluyede who paid visit to the Division recently to commission some laudable projects.
The COAS who started his visit on Monday, August 18, 2025 from the Bayelsa State capital of Yenegoa, made a stopover at the Elele Cantonment/Barracks housing 5 Battalion and 343 Artillery Rigiment to commission some of the executed project by the Commanding Officer 5 Battalion Elele Barrack, Lieutenant Colonel IG Fashona where he also performed a grand breaking ceremony for the construction of 20 units of two bedroom flat of Senior Non Commissioners (SNCO) Quarter guards among others, he also visited Uyo.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Oluyede, also commissioned a number of projects at Headquarters of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he addressed troops, and interacted with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.
These projects included the Python Harmony House at the Bori Camp Main Gate, 6 Division Garrison Guardroom, two blocks of newly constructed building for corporal below quarters, renovated 10 by family corporal below quarters and commissioned remodeled 29 battalion Quarterguard.
Fielding questions from journalists at the end of his three-day visit to the Headquarters of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Oluyede said that with the support of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, concerted efforts were on to make life better for the soldiers and their families.
Oluyode said: “I am in 6 Division Area of Responsibility primarily to assess the operational readiness of the Division as well as to examine the level of my soldiers’ welfare particularly.”
He stated that the welfare of troops was of great interest to him because it is necessary to keep his soldiers in a good frame of mind in order for them to discharge their assignments, pointing out that the visit would enable him understand the issues better.
“I am someone that is very particular about the well-being of the soldiers and their families. So, I am going round the Division less 63 Brigade which I’m going to come back to assess.
“And with that, I know very well the challenges and I am going to address the challenges within the resources available to me as the leader of the Army.
“I promised my soldiers that I will do my very best with the support of the Federal Government to make life better for them. That’s why I came here and I think my purpose has been achieved.”
Meanwhile, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army on the same day flagged-off an Inter-Brigade combat proficiency competition for officers within the ranks of 2nd Lieutenant and Major, across 2 Brigade, 16 Brigade, 63 Brigade and 6 Division Garrison.
Tentacle gathered that the five days competition featured shooting range, obstacle crossing, map reading, combat swimming and fitness race for participating officers.
The GOC, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emekah, while declaring the competition open said the exercise was aimed at sharpening personnel skills, preparing them for the dynamic and ever evolving landscape of modern warfare. Represented by the 6 Division Training Officer, Ishaya Makarfi Ibrahim, Emekah said the event would not only serve as a testament to the gallant ability of officers, but also as a critical reflection of officer’s operational readiness and effectiveness.
Emekah noted that proficiency remained a fundamental requirement for any soldier that seeks to excel and survive in all terrains.
The GOC also emphasised that officers’ mastery of water skills, obstacle crossing, marksmanship skill, navigation and endurance run will directly contribute to the operational efficiency and combat readiness to operations.
He stated, “It is with great pride and honor that I stand before you today on the occasion of 6 Division Combat Proficiency Competition.
“This event holds profound significance, not only as a testament to the gallant ability of our officers but also as a critical reflection of their operational readiness and effectiveness.
“In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties in the face of new ever-evolving threats has become increasingly crucial.”
