‘Support the Troops’: Asaba Monarch Pushes For Better Military Pay & Welfare
By NWAFOR AZINGE
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, has called for a major improvement in the salaries, allowances and general welfare of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The traditional ruler argued that personnel who risk their lives to defend the country should receive better remuneration and stronger institutional support.
Azinge made the appeal when the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Major General Everest Okoro, paid him a familiarisation visit at his palace in Asaba.
A Call for Greater Recognition
The Asagba said members of the Armed Forces continued to make enormous sacrifices for Nigeria, including losing their lives in the line of duty.
He said the risks associated with military service required the country to place greater value on the welfare of personnel.
According to him, improved conditions of service should reflect the strategic importance of those responsible for protecting lives, property and the country’s territorial integrity.
Azinge argued that officers and men who could be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice deserved to rank among the country’s best-remunerated public servants.
Welfare Beyond Salary
The monarch said the debate should go beyond basic salaries.
He called for improvements in allowances, insurance arrangements, housing and the general living conditions of military personnel and their families.
Azinge also raised concerns about the welfare of families left behind when officers and soldiers lose their lives during operations.
He said financial compensation alone could not replace a life lost in service to the nation.
The country, he argued, must build a system that demonstrates lasting appreciation for personnel and their families.
Federal Government Efforts
The Asagba acknowledged recent efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of military personnel.
However, he maintained that more still needed to be done.
Nigeria’s security forces operate under increasingly difficult conditions. Troops confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, violent crime and other threats across different parts of the country.
Azinge said the scale of these challenges made stronger welfare packages necessary.
Peace in Asaba & Delta
The traditional ruler also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for helping to maintain relative peace in Asaba and other parts of Delta State.
He particularly praised officers and men of the 63 Brigade for their vigilance and commitment.
According to him, residents should not take the relative absence of major incidents of terrorism and banditry in the state capital for granted.
He attributed the situation partly to intelligence gathering, vigilance and the dedication of security personnel.
Support for the New GOC
Azinge congratulated Major General Okoro on his appointment and assured him of the support of the traditional institution and the Asaba community.
He said the palace would continue to cooperate with security agencies and contribute to efforts aimed at preserving peace.
The monarch also stressed the importance of public support for personnel who work day and night to protect communities.
Okoro Seeks Stronger Partnership
Earlier, Major General Okoro described his visit as part of his familiarisation tour following his appointment as GOC of 6 Division.
The division has operational responsibilities across parts of the Niger Delta and plays a key role in protecting strategic infrastructure and responding to security threats.
Okoro described traditional rulers as important stakeholders in national security and peaceful coexistence.
He said community leaders often possess valuable knowledge of their environments and could support intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.
Professionalism & Human Rights
The GOC assured the monarch that officers and men under his command would maintain professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities.
He said the Army would continue to respect human rights and work closely with other security agencies, community leaders and traditional institutions.
Okoro also sought the continued support of the Asagba and the wider Asaba community for the Army’s operations.
The visit reinforced the growing emphasis on cooperation between security institutions, governments and local communities.
For Azinge, however, national appreciation must go beyond ceremonial praise.
The monarch’s central argument was clear: a country that depends on its security personnel during moments of crisis must also invest more seriously in their welfare while they are alive and support their families when tragedy strikes.
