By Augustine Ehikioya
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday hailed the Nigerian Army for its selfless service to the country over the years.
Urging it not to loose guard and sustain the progress achieved so far, he expressed his administration’s commitment to building a well-equipped and truly professional Army that will remain the pride of the Nation.
The President made the remark at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL 2024, in Jos, Plateau State.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Defence,
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the security architecture must change with the times and ensure that Nigerians are safe anywhere they are.
He said, “I am delighted to be here to witness the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024. I felicitate with the Nigerian Army on another anniversary of its existence. The force that is today the Nigerian Army was a crucial element in the colonial era and has continued to play vital roles post-independence.
“Over the years, the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development, and continued existence of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army remains one of the most patriotic and selfless elements of our nation.
“It embodies people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought, and died so that the nation would live in peace. What can be more patriotic than to lay down one’s life for the sake of the nation.” he said
Continuing, the President said “The Nigerian Army has made and continues to make huge sacrifices to keep us safe, as security challenges increased in the last decade and a half, the Nigerian Army has risen to the challenge to keep Nigeria safe. l am aware that you are now deployed in all states of the federation making sacrifices daily in a bid to secure Nigeria.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.
“We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you to fulfil your constitutional responsibilities. I have approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty. I also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment and combat enablers for you to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.
“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world. Our security architecture must also change to meet up with the new threats. Nigerians must be safe in their fields, on our highways, in our markets, and in their homes. The Nigerian Army remains the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure this security.” He stated.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, maintained that the Nigerian Army is committed to improving operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.
According to him, the Nigerian Army is focused on the ultimate goal of eradicating all threats to the Nation.
He said “We are not oblivious to how badly our people require and demand the security of their lives and properties across the nation, and we are focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to our dear nation and its people within the shortest practicable time.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to its mission statement, which is ‘To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interests, and Accomplish Other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority.’ The fulfillment of this responsibility sometimes demands that we make the ultimate sacrifice.
“This year’s NADCEL is themed ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment,’ and we have chosen to celebrate it in Jos Plateau State to showcase how much we can achieve when the government and the people cooperate and collaborate with the military.”
The Army Chief went on “Our experience in ongoing operations nationwide has continued to highlight the importance of a whole-of-society approach to our efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of the citizenry to support our actions…
“The Nigerian Army has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of the Group Life Assurance scheme to dependents of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of our dear nation as approved by Mr President.
“I want to assure Mr President that this gesture has greatly increased morale in our barracks throughout the country.
“We continue to appeal for the understanding of Nigerians living in proximity to areas of active combat operations to understand that our deployments are designed to protect and defend law-abiding Nigerians against misguided persons and groups who have resorted to armed violence against the state.” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the display of Nigerian Army’s platforms and the commissioning into service the newly acquired two helicopters.
There were also group photographs, presentation of awards and souvenir.
Among those who graced the occasion were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and some State Governors.
