The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has lauded all officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their commitment and dedication to the nation.
Gen. Musa expressed his gratitude while felicitating with troops on the occasion of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2024, at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Monday.
The Defence Chief noted that the day holds great significance as it provides the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, bravery and commitment of our fallen heroes in defending the territorial integrity of our country.
“We remember and pay our collective tribute to them for their sacrifices not just today, but every day as they gave ‘their today’ for ‘our tomorrow’ “, he said.
He also honoured and acknowledged the immeasurable contributions of the gallant officers and men both serving and retired, whose “selfless dedication to service in protecting our nation’s freedom and security has resulted in the relative peace which we enjoy today”.
The CDS gave assurances of his unremitting support to troops as they continue to uphold the nation’s values of respect for the rule of law, professionalism, loyalty to constituted authority, discipline, selfless service and courage.
To those who have suffered one form of injury or the other, Gen. Musa expressed appreciation as he offered prayers for their quick recovery, while he thanked the fallen heroes for their great sacrifices, reminding them that all their efforts and steadfast devotion in defence of our democracy and national unity in line with our constitutional roles will never be in vain.
The Defence Chief further charged troops to remain resolute in defeating all forms of security threats so as to ensure enduring peace and security throughout the country, and pledged to sustain the prioritisation of their welfare in line with his leadership philosophy which is “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment”.
While acknowledging the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, for his timely support to the AFN, Gen. Musa assured him of unalloyed loyalty and commitment in defending the nation’s democratic values whilst ensuring peace and cohesion in the country.
In the same vein, the CDS expressed appreciation to officers’ families, “particularly our spouses, for their inestimable roles in keeping the home front whenever duty beckons on us. Your untold sacrifices as a result of our prolonged absence have been impactful and productive.
This is evident in the qualitative outputs of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective areas of national assignment. While appreciating you in this regard, I implore you to sustain your efforts in ensuring that our homes remain peaceful”, he said.
