"We Must Make A Great Difference in Year 2025"- Gen. Musa Charges, Unveils CDS Commendation Award, Defence Research Award, and Defence Valour Medal For Exceptional Personnel



The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher, Gwabin Musa has Charged both soldiers, Ratings and Airmen to renew their commitment this year 2025 to make a great difference in all military operations across the theatres as he launched CDS Commendation Award, Defence Research Award, and Defence Valour Medal For exceptional personnel.

General Musa gave this charge while congratulating awardees of the maiden edition of Armed Forces of Nigeria Social and Awards Evening for Soldiers, Ratings and Airmen, which took place today, 12th January, 2025 at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

According to General Musa the award is the first of its kind and has provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the courage, patriotism and resilience of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. I will sincerely honour your service, the many sacrifices you have made and your unwavering commitment to the peace, security, stability and prosperity of our dear nation. 

He said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, now Armed Forces celebration and Remembrance Day, is a solemn occasion presenting an avenue for deep reflection on the sacrifice made by military veterans, fallen heroes and soldiers who have continued to serve till this day. 


"Your exceptional courage and dedication embody the very essence of soldiering, especially as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Our great nation is indebted to your service, loyalty and legacy. 

"Therefore, as we celebrate tonight, let us not forget these noble sacrifices that have been made for our freedom in defence of our motherland. Let us also remember the families who have lost ones, loved ones, the wounded who are still in recovery as well as to the brave men and women who continue to serve with honour, integrity and distinction. Consequently, and to emphasise this thought, it has become imperative to recognise the commitment, gallantry and indomitable spirit of retired and active members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria during this year's celebration. 

"I want you to know that your remarkable achievement in your service to our nation, your bravery in the frontlines, your loyalty and tireless efforts in your various services have not gone unnoticed.

"I must say that your dedication is a testament to the values of integrity, courage and excellence we hold dear as an armed force. As we all know, our strength as a military force does not only rest in our individual capabilities, but in our collective commitment to protect and serve our nation. 

"We are not where we want to be but we're heading there and I can assure you, working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil. Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. Is that clear? I've encouraged all our commanders, this year we must make a great difference in all our operations. 

"We must step out the tempo, we must look for the criminals wherever they enter, we must go after them. I equally want to use this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the families of our servicemen and women. Thank you so much for holding forth the home front and for the many sacrifices you continue to make that are invaluable. 

"To the awardees, I offer my heartfelt congratulations as your selflessness and courage is well recognised and appreciated. I therefore urge you all to continue to strive for excellence, uphold the highest standard of conduct and professionalism, and support one another in all your endeavours. You must all stay loyal and focus on the call of duty which you have chosen." he noted

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede charged soldiers, ratings, and airmen, and women, to remain committed to the government of the day in its drive to improve the lot of every Nigerian.

"We must not lose sight of the oath we took to be dutiful, faithful, loyal servicemen and women, and go wherever, lawfully sent by land, sea, or air. Therefore, we must remain beautiful and resolute in our fight against terrorism, terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other strong declines against our collective peace and aspirations as Nigerians." he said

Lt Gen Oluyede equally congratulated and celebrated active serving personnel who are today's guardians of our frontiers, for keeping a tight rein on our beloved country's Defence and security. "Just like those before us, the sacrifices we make today are to secure the future of our children and those coming after them. I therefore charge all of us to emulate the virtues of those who went ahead and gave their best to keep us together, safe and prosperous."he added

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla in his remarks commended gallant soldiers, veterans and airmen, for thier loyalty, courage and dedication to service in the defense of the country.

"We must therefore not relent, but sustain our achievements in various theaters of operations for lasting peace and security in our nation. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to Your hard work, sacrifice and unwavering commitment in accomplishing your tasks has helped us to achieve the successes we have today in our various operations for peace and security of our country. 

"We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the necessary equipment for us to tackle the challenges ahead. The Nigerian Navy will also continue to rejig our operations by introducing new assets as well as improved surveillance capabilities in our operations. This is aimed at boosting the morale of our gallant troops and making it much easier for us to overcome the enemy and turn the tide against them. 

"We will also embark on short recapitalization as well as infrastructure developments in our barracks and other bases with a view to improving your welfare and enhancing your will to fight. We will improve personnel welfare through numerous welfare programs and training programs as well as provide local and foreign medical evacuation to our personnel and their families. We will ensure educational sponsorship and create welfare programs for our diseased personnel's families in line with the harmonized terms and conditions of service for routines, soldiers, and airmen." he stressed

Also in  his remarks, Chief of the Air Force (CAS), Air Marshall Hasan Abubakar ably Represented by the Chief of Administration, AVM Idi Sani urged the awardees to continue to exemplify the core values of honor, courage, and service in everything they do. "To our award recipients this evening, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your outstanding contributions and exceptional performance inspire us all. 

"Your achievements are a reminder of the limitless potential within each of us to excel and make a difference. As we commemorate this occasion, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of duty, loyalty, and patriotism. Let us also remember that the strength of our Armed Forces lies in our unity, discipline, and shared vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria. 

The CAS said despite the dynamic nature of security challenges in the 21st century, their unwavering commitment ensures that nation remains secure and strong. "I am particularly pleased with the collaborative effort across the three services which have enhanced our operational effectiveness. Our joint actions have led to remarkable successes in counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and other critical national assignments."

He said this synergy is a model of what teamwork and shared purpose can achieve. "As we look ahead, the Nigerian Air Force, under my leadership, remains committed to ensuring the welfare, training, and operational readiness of all our personnel. We recognize that a well-motivated and highly trained force is the backbone of our success. 

"The ongoing modernization of our platforms and infrastructure will further enhance our capabilities to address emerging threats effectively. I also want to emphasize the importance of discipline and professionalism in all our endeavors. Our actions, both on and off duty, reflect on the Armed Forces as an institution." he said

The service chiefs acknowledged the sacrifice of military veterans who fought wars to procure peace we enjoy today. "Remembrance Day helps us learn from the past and choose understanding and peace in the face of difference and conflict. We do not celebrate Remembrance Day to pay our veterans back for their sacrifices to their fatherland, but rather to say that although we cannot pay you, what we need to act to give a token of appreciation to them for asking the call to serve and choosing to give their very all." he added








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