By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (JTF SS OPDS) to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism and integrity.
Gen Oluyede made the charge on Thursday during the commissioning ceremony of an Ultra Modern Non-Commissioned Officers Accommodation and remodelled Conference Hall at Headquarters JTF SS OPDS, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The CDS further admonished the troops to avoid any form of illegal activity and compromise while carrying out their legitimate duties to safeguard oil infrastructure, stressing that the facilities are critical to the nation’s economic sustainability.
He restated his commitment to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the working and general well-being of personnel of the Armed Forces is guaranteed through improved welfare packages currently being proposed.
He commended the Commander JTF SS OPDS, Olugbenga Oladipo, who executed the projects for adding value to the system.
In his response, the Commander JTF SS OPDS appreciated the CDS for making time out of his busy engagements to commission the project.
He stated that the projects were conceived and executed in line with the CDS Military Strategic Philosophy, which has welfare of troops as one of its pillars.
He further stated that the Non-Commissioned Officers Accommodation of 24-apartment capacity is fitted with 24-hour solar power supply, water facility, beddings and cooling system for the comfort of the troops.
He re-emphasised his commitment to ensuring that the welfare of his officers and men is given utmost priority to boost their morale to continue delivering on the OPDS mandate — to protect oil and gas infrastructure, deter militancy, stop sea robbery and protect lives and property in the Niger Delta.
Present during the ceremony were the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Emmanuel Emekah; the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command represented by his Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal JJ Ijugigal; the Commander 16 Brigade, Brigadier General Nurulhayat Mohammed; and Principal Staff Officers from Defence Headquarters, among others.