The Nigerian Army has assured of deeper collaboration with stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of national values.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Col. Olufemi Oluyede, gave the assurances on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters as part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025, slated for July 6th.
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.
Highlighting the history of the Nigerian Army, Oluyede noted that it is celebrating 162 years of service to the nation, since its birth in 1863, a century and a half of selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting citizens and safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the country, adding that it has “since grown exponentially, surmounting all challenges that every generation of our forebears have had to contend with”.
“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 Army Chief said.
Speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2025, which is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”, the COAS said it was carefully selected as it champions the NA’s renewed drive to transform the Army by placing its soldiers first.
The COAS further highlighted the significant strides the NA, as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.
He also outlined the series of activities for the celebrations which have since commenced with the traditional Jumat prayers and interdenominational church services, symbolizing the NA’s humble acknowledgement of its motto, “Victory is from God Alone”.
Activities for Friday 4 July 2025, include the 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 (NAOWA) charity outreach programme. There will also be public speaking engagement visits same day 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, to be followed by 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 guests will witness a military parade, equipment display as well as the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel.
The Army Chief, while acknowledging the long-standing partnership shared with the press, which he said has significantly enhanced the NA’s operations in recent times, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cordial working relationships with them and other security stakeholders as well as all well-meaning Nigerians.
