Chief Of Army Staff Speaks At Press Briefing Of Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025
REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LIEUTENANT GENERAL OO OLUYEDE NAM GSS CMH GSS psc mni FCM FCMH TSM GOM CCA ON THE OCCASION OF NADCEL 2025 PRESS BRIEFING HOLDING AT THE AHQ CONFERENCE ROOM ON 2 JULY 2025
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1. Distinguished members of the Press, it is indeed my pleasure to warmly welcome you all to the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the venue for today’s press briefing which is part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025. It is an honour to have you all here today as we steadily progress towards the momentous 6th of July when we celebrate the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which was first held in 1978, is observed annually to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army. It also marks the day the first shot was fired at Garkem Town in the present-day Cross River State, signifying the commencement of the Civil War. The celebration also affords us the opportunity to recognize and honour the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers, past and present.
2. This year, the Nigerian Army is celebrating 162 years of service to our great nation, Nigeria. That is over a century and a half of selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our beloved country. The history dates back to 1863 when Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”. The Nigerian Army has since grown exponentially, surmounting all challenges that every generation of our forebears have had to contend with. Nigerian soldiers participated in the 2 great wars, conducted and concluded the Nigerian Civil War, upheld the banner of peace in the West African subregion and projected peace and stability across the African continent. In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues. Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty. In this vein, the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian People and the perpetuity of our democracy. The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of our national values.
3. The theme of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025, which is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”, was carefully selected as it espouses our renewed drive to transform the Army by placing our soldiers first. The Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities. A number of activities have been lined up for this year’s celebration and we have since commenced with the traditional Jumat Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services which symbolizes our humble acknowledgement of the Nigerian Army motto, “Victory is from God Alone”.
4. Today, we are here with you the members of the Press for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Press Briefing. On Friday 4 July 2025, there will be commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, free medical outreach programme and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach programme. On the same day, there will be public speaking engagement visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army Formations. On Saturday 5 July 2025, there will be a lecture at Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues and thereafter we will have the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition. In the evening of the same day, there will be a Gala Night with officers and soldiers at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna. The event will be rounded up with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on 6 July 2025 where we will witness a military parade, equipment display as well as the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.
5. Our distinguished members of the Press, it is important to acknowledge the long-standing partnership we share with you, which has significantly enhanced our operations in recent times. I reaffirm our commitment to maintaining cordial working relationships with you, other security stakeholders and all well-meaning Nigerians. Thank you, and God Bless.
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