This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration started with God, at the Interdenominational Church Service inside the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, which symbolises the Nigerian Army's humble acknowledgement of the divine role of the Almighty in all its affairs.
This stems from the prevalence of faith and hope being the tenets of moral guidance and emotional stability that reinforce ethical behaviour and motivate us all to act honourably during operations.
The theme for this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration was deliberately crafted as “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive”.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirms that soldiers constitute the pillars that uphold the strength of the Nigerian Army as we advance the divine calling to protect peace, justice and the dignity of all Nigerian people.
"It is on this foundation that the fundamentals of sound administration, which are central to my Command Philosophy, will continue to place our soldiers first.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede emphasised that the tradition of celebrating Nigerian Army Day each year offers an opportunity to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army and reflect on the sacrifices, resilience, and selfless commitment of our officers and soldiers in service to our great country, Nigeria.
He said it is also a time to remember and honour our brave heroes who fell in the line of duty as well as our dear families that are subjected to bearing our absence, loss and scars of service.
"As the Nigerian Army progresses into the future with this noble aspiration, the unity of thought, as a policy, will continue to upgrade the quality of our operations through improved training, acquisition of modern equipment and enhancement of operational and administrative processes.
"To all those who seek to disrupt the sanctity of our freedom, our heritage of liberty and our enduring democracy, be assured that your failure is certain and your boast lacks value," he said
The COAS affirmed that the Nigerian Army's 162 years of dedicated Service show the deep-rooted patriotism and valour espoused by our forebears, the men and women of the Nigerian Army today and by all means, those who will come after us.
"It is equally a reminder of the unassailable oath of allegiance to our beloved nation to remain steadfast and discharge our duties in the face of adversity, as a legacy to our children.
"We will continue to bear the torch of our sovereign values, and the light of our heritage shall never fade.
He urged religious fathers who have always been the voice of reason that guides the broken, the lost and the frail to continue to speak for peace, truth and justice as we navigate through the myriad of challenges facing us collectively. Now, more than ever, our troops need your encouragement and inspiration.
Earlier in his sermon, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Martins Amuluche, urged troops to remain loyal in the discharge of their duties, describing loyalty as an expression of faithfulness to God and a sign of unwavering moral courage.
He stressed that the loyalty of a soldier has the potential to transform conduct and revive spiritual consciousness.
The NADCEL 2025 interdenominational church service was graced by several dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and his wife, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, senior officers both serving and retired as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA).
