RismadarVoice Reporters
July 4, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and morale of its personnel with the commissioning of the Python Soldiers’ Club at the 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt.
The facility, inaugurated on Friday as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), is aimed at providing soldiers with a conducive recreational environment to promote relaxation, camaraderie and mental well-being after demanding operational assignments.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu said troop welfare remains a critical pillar of his “Soldier First” philosophy, stressing that a motivated and psychologically fit force is better positioned to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities and respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He noted that operational success depends not only on modern equipment and quality accommodation but also on initiatives that strengthen the social and emotional well-being of personnel.
According to the COAS, the Python Soldiers’ Club will foster stronger bonds among troops, improve resilience, boost unit cohesion and enhance overall combat readiness.
He explained that creating opportunities for soldiers to unwind and interact contributes significantly to sustaining morale and maintaining a professional, disciplined and highly motivated force.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reiterated that the Nigerian Army would continue to invest in personnel welfare and institutional development as part of ongoing efforts to build a resilient military capable of safeguarding the nation’s peace, security and territorial integrity.
The commissioning of the facility forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader welfare initiatives under NADCEL 2026, underscoring its commitment to improving the quality of life of personnel while enhancing operational effectiveness.
