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The Nigerian Army has commenced activities to celebrate its 162 years of dedicated Service to the beloved fatherland with a Jumaat Service across all units, formations and Barracks, themed "Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive".
In Abuja, the Commencement of this year's celebration with Jumaat Prayers today, Friday 27th June 2025 and Interdenominational Church Services will be on Sunday, 29th June 2025, across formations and units is both significant and symbolic.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Abubakar Ndalolo said the Nigerian Army marks this milestone with profound joy and gratitude to God, whose grace has brought them victories in numerous battles and challenges, granting them victory that reaffirms the Almighty God's enduring love for the nation.
First, the COAS observed a minute's silence in honour of the former COAS, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who departed the world on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. The COAS noted that the NA grieve and take solace in the truth that God knows what is best
He urged personnel to be comforted with the knowledge that he now rests peacefully in the bosom of his creator.
"In his honour, let us please observe a minute's silence. May his soul and all faithfully departed souls rest in perfect peace, Amen. As we celebrate the Nigerian Army at 162, let us be mindful that Nigerians look to us to play a vital role in overcoming the current security challenges being experienced across the country.
"We must therefore renew our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and upholding the rights of all citizens. Let us also continue to work together, united in our quest for peace, stability, and lasting prosperity for our dear country."
The Nigerian Army commitment to the whole of the nation's approach to strategic preparedness and readiness that strengthens our national resilience is unwavering. Thus, my command philosophy seeks "To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment."
This philosophy has defined our policies and engagements this past year, and NADCEL 2025 provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements and review future plans in our pledged commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law and the economic prosperity of our beloved nation.
We have chosen the theme for this year's NADCEL to be "Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive".
The theme highlights our responsibility to national unity, integration, and development, and underscores our commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defence management in the country and beyond.
He charged them to do their best to make NADCEL 2025 a worthwhile celebration. He also assures them that the Army Headquarters will continue to put the welfare of its personnel and their families first.
"We must also remember to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our beloved colleagues who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and for the recovery of our wounded in action warriors. To these souls and their families, they left behind, we owe a debt of gratitude. Nigeria and the Nigerian Army salute and celebrate their courage, gallantry, and sacrifice.
The Nigerian Army is the backbone of our national defence, working tirelessly to protect citizens, defend territorial integrity and support the civil authority to maintain law and order.
"From counterinsurgency efforts to peacekeeping missions, our soldiers have consistently exemplified professionalism, discipline and commitment as a formidable force. Today, we stand as a force focused on victory and fully aware of the spiritual dimension of our fighting power," he said
The highlight of the Special Jumaat Prayer was the First and Second Call to Prayer, recitation of the Glorious Quran, Jumaah second prayer, and NADCEL 2025 Special Prayer.