Oluyede urges chaplains to boost troops’ morale amidst insecurity

The acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says chaplains play critical roles in enhancing the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness, particularly in the face of insecurity.

Oluyede made the remark at the opening of the Nigerian Army Chaplain (Roman Catholic) Annual Training Week/Conference and Retreat in Benin on Tuesday.

It was reported that the theme for the 2024 edition is: “Enhancing the Pastoral Responsibility of the Nigerian Army Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) in Peace and War Time in a Joint Environment.”

Oluyede, who was represented by Brig-Gen. Julius Ogbobe, Director, Retired Officers Discharge and Re-engagement, said chaplains provided spiritual guidance, moral support, and hope to soldiers in battle and peace times.

“With the country beset by ISWAP/Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, our chaplains must be mentally and spiritually equipped to handle the diverse needs of military personnel,” he said, while justifying the retreat.

He applauded the Directorate of Chaplain Services for organising the training, urging participants to take the sessions seriously and renew their commitment to their sacred calling.

“As we battle physical and spiritual adversaries, our chaplains are the shepherds guiding our soldiers to overcome adversity,” he stated.

Oluyede commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his government’s relentless efforts at addressing insecurity in the country.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Brig-Gen. Anthony Maimagani, Director, Nigerian Army Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), said chaplains offered a ministry of presence in both times of peace and conflict.

Maimagani said that the directorate would re-strategise, coordinate and synergise to effectively fulfill the constitutional and spiritual roles as officers and chaplains of the Nigerian army.

“To our dedicated chaplains from various army formations, units and commands across the nation, you are welcome. I want to remind you that your participation in this event is crucial.

“Let us seize this opportunity to expand our horizons in service of humanity and our country.

“The role of the Nigerian Army Chaplaincy (Roman Catholic) is pivotal in fostering the religious, spiritual, psychological and moral well-being of military personnel and their families.

“More importantly, we are called to offer a ministry of presence in both times of peace and conflict,’ the director said.

In his presentation, Retired Maj.-Gen. Charles Omoregie reminded the participants of their primary responsibilities.

He said the roles were to support the commander’s mission and minister to the personnel in all aspects of their lives.

To enhance the responsibilities, Omoregie called on the participants to build trust and communication skills, and collaborate within other chaplains from other sister armed forces.

According to him, this will provide a more inclusive and flexible approach to pastoral services in peace and war times within a joint environment.