Chief Of Army Staff Goodwill Message On NADCEL Jumma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Service
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the officers, soldiers, and our dear families on the occasion of the
Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025. The Commencement of this year’s celebration with Jumat Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services across our formations and units is both significant and symbolic. It is truly remarkable that the Nigerian Army is commemorating 162 years of dedicated service to our beloved fatherland. We mark this milestone with profound joy and gratitude to God, whose grace has brought us victories in numerous battles and challenges, granting us victory that reaffirm the almighty God’s enduring love for our beloved nation.
This past year has been a challenging one for the Nigerian Army. Notably, on Tuesday 5 November 2024, we suffered a great loss with the passing of our leader, the former COAS, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, who answered the call to eternal glory. While we grieve, we take solace in the truth that God knows what is best for us all. I urge us to be comforted with the knowledge that he now rests peacefully in the bosom of his creator. In his honour, let us please observe a minute silence. May his soul and all faithfully departed souls rest in perfect peace, Amen. As we celebrate the Nigerian Army at 162, let us be mindful that Nigerians look to us to play a vital role in overcoming the current security challenges being experienced across the country. We must, therefore, renew commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and upholding the rights of all citizens. Let us also continue to work together, united in our quest for peace, stability, and lasting prosperity for our dear country.
Globally, the Nigerian Army is recognized as a key player in regional security initiatives, contributing troops to various peacekeeping efforts and collaborating with international partners to combat terrorism and other security threats. While at home, the Nigerian Army is the backbone of our national defence, working tirelessly to protect our citizens, defending our territorial integrity and supporting the civil authority to maintain law and order. From counter insurgency efforts to peacekeeping missions, our soldiers have consistently exemplified professionalism, discipline and commitment as a formidable force, Today, We stand as a forced focused on victory and fully aware of the spiritual dimension of our fighting power. We attribute our successes in battle to God, as clearly expressed in our motto: “Victory is from God alone”. I believe it was this deep sense of gratitude and that desire for divine guidance that inspired
our forebears to incorporate religious activities into the NADCEL, alongside other commemorative events. Our gathering today is to therefore thank the Almighty for His guidance through the past year and to seek His continued blessings in the days ahead. The NADCEL services also serve as a medium to honour our fallen warriors, celebrate those still in active service and pray for a brighter stronger future for the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army commitment to the whole of nation’s approach to strategic preparedness and readiness that strengthens our national resilience is unwavering. Thus, my command philosophy seeks “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency
Environment.’ This philosophy has defined our policies and engagements this past year and NADCEL 2025 provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements and review future plans in our pledged commitment to
strengthening national security, the rule of law and the economic prosperity of our beloved nation. We have chosen the theme for this year’s NADCEL to be “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive”. The theme highlights our responsibility to national unity, integration, and development, and underscores our commitment to
aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security
and defence management in the country and beyond.
I charge you to do your best to make NADCEL 2025 a worthwhile celebration. I also assure you that the Army Headquarters will continue to put the welfare of its personnel and their families first. We must also remember to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our beloved colleagues who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and for the recovery of our wounded in action warriors. To these souls and their families, they left behind,we owe a debt of gratitude. Nigeria and the Nigerian Army, salute and celebrate their courage, gallantry, and sacrifice.
Finally, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigeria Army and our families. I sincerely appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the leadership and strategic policy guidance to the Nigerian Army. Let me also appreciate the Executive Governors across the country for their unflinching support to our troops deployed for operation within their various states. I also thank the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Honourable Minister of State Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their leadership.
Furthermore, I appreciate the support and understanding of fellow Service Chiefs and heads of other security and intelligence agencies to the Nigerian Army this past year. My gratitude equally goes to the leadership and members of the National Assembly and the good people of Nigeria that they represent for their understanding and support to their Army.
Once again, I congratulate the Nigerian Army family on this special occasion, Happy NADCEL 2025 and may God grant us more victories over the enemies of our dear country.
Long live the Nigerian Army
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless you all
OO OLUYEDE
Lt Gen
COAS
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