The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of armed forces and their families.
General Waidi Shaibu stated this at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service as part of 2026 Armed forces celebration and remembrance day at St Peter’s Catholic church in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto.
He said the welfare is in line with Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, command philosophy to boost troops’ morale at the Frontline operations
The Army Chief who spoke through the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, said the armed forces celebration and remembrance is a dual commemorations to honour both past and present, the dead and living heroes as well as those in active service and retired personnel.
“The celebration was to reflect on history, shape the present and build a future where today becomes part of that history.
“Year in Year out, we celebrate the armed forces day to commemorate the incredible bravery and strength of those who came before us, those who served and those who continue to serve in their wake.
“We use the day to acknowledge the sacrifices of our veterans fought wars to procure the place we enjoy today. Remembrance Day teaches us to draw lessons from the past and embrace understanding and peace with differences and conflicts,” he said.
The GOC represented by Commander, 48. Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Raphael Okoroji, urged officers and soldiers to emulate the virtue of those who went ahead and gave their best to keep the country together, safe and prosperous.
“We must not lose sight of oath we took to be be dutiful, faithful, loyal service men and women and go wherever lawful sent by land, sea, or air. Therefore we must remain resolute on our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism and other crimes against our collective peace and aspiration as Nigerians,” General Ajose Charged.
He called on officers and soldiers to continue to remain committed to government of the day under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its drive to improve the lot of every Nigerian.
General Ajose congratulated military veterans and active service personnel on this year’s Armed Forces celebration and remembrance day.
Also speaking shortly after the prayers, the Commander 119 Composite Group of Nigerian Air Force Sokoto, Group Captain Harry Nanle Gumut, said the prayer formed part of nationwide commemorations dedicated to honouring the bravery, sacrifice and enduring service of Nigerian military personnel who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.
According to him, the event reaffirmed the nation’s collective resolve to remember heroes sacrifices and underscored the Armed forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and security.
He further noted that the celebration serve as an avenue to boost the morale of troops deployed to various theatre of operations towards restoring peace and security for sustainable socioeconomic development of the country.
Sermons was delivered by Ag. Deputy Directors Chaplain Services of 8 Division Lit. Col. ( Rev Fr) Richard Bwami and Lit. Col. (Rev) Irimiya Yidawai.
Both reverend fathers prayed extensively for restoration of peace and security across the nation.