From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The Nigerian Army has pledged to unequivocally support democratic governance in Nigeria.
The statement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023on Thursday.
The event, which was themed “Sound Administration as Panacea for Effective Military Operations,” spanned the course of seven days; culminating in a series of displays by army troops at the Major General Inienger Sports Complex in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, and other dignitaries, Lagbaja declared the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security and reducing terrorist activities in the region.
In his speech, Lagbaja thanked the attendees, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, for their support and encouragement. He also expressed his gratitude to all Nigerians who have supported the Nigerian Army on their journey to achieving discipline, professionalism and effective cooperation with sister services and other security agencies.
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is an annual event that marks the progress of the Nigerian Army and serves to honour their fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the Nigerian state.
In attendance were Senate President Godwil Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, and some royal fathers including Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Lekan Balogun, and Deji of Akure Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
General Lagbaja highlighted the significant progress made by the Nigerian Army in mitigating the activities of terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements that threatened the country’s sovereignty. He attributed such progress to collective efforts and cooperation among security agencies.
His words: “The Nigerian Army has come a long way and its leading up to its assigned constituency role. We have continued to contribute to domestic and global security through internal security and peace keeping operations.
“It is through our concerted efforts that activities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other forms of criminality that threatened the corporate existence of this country have been greatly reduced.
“The Nigerian Army has also made tremendous progress in the areas of profesionalism, administration and cooperation among sister services and other security agencies.
“Finally, I want to seize this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for the constant support and inspiration. I will also like to thank Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the good people of Oyo State and indeed all Nigerians for their kind support, encouragement and understanding.
“I hereby reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander’in-Chief and also pledge our unflinching support to democratic governance in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration was an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to showcase their superior professionalism, dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to defending the nation. During the grand finale, awards of recognition were presented to deserving officers.
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is an excellent opportunity for the army to showcase its professionalism and bravery, and their successes on the national and international stages. Nigerians believe that the Nigerian Army will continue to maintain their focus, discipline, and professionalism in service to the country.