The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede has urged officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to renew their morale, strengthen unity, and remain steadfast.
General Oluyede gave the charge during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Social Night for soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen held at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.
“The event was deliberately set aside to honour the shared heritage of the Armed Forces, celebrate comradeship, and reaffirm the bonds that unite personnel beyond rank, service, culture or background,” he said..
According to the Defence Chief, personnel are reminded that despite their differences, they are all products of the same noble tradition rooted in honour, discipline, sacrifice and national pride.
Tribute
He paid tribute to past heroes, noting that their devotion to duty and courage laid the foundation upon which today’s Armed Forces stand, while their legacy continues to guide the nation toward stability and victory.
“The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day offers an opportunity to reflect on fallen comrades who faced overwhelming odds and paid the supreme price for Nigeria’s peace and unity. General Oluyede noted that veterans, past and present, have left behind a proud legacy defined by service to country above self”.
Commending serving personnel, the CDS saluted soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen for their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
He described them as guardians of freedom and defenders of justice, whose collective efforts have recorded significant operational successes across the country, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and across Nigeria’s airspace.
General Oluyede also acknowledged the families of military personnel, describing them as the silent heroes behind every uniform.
He stressed the need to continually reassure, encourage and support the families and legacies of fallen comrades, reaffirming that the Armed Forces remain one indivisible family, united in sacrifice, purpose and unwavering commitment to the nation.
General Oluyede disclosed that, in collaboration with the Service Chiefs and with the approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, modalities are being finalised to improve the salaries of officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He assured personnel that the proposed welfare initiatives were not mere promises, recalling how he initiated the payment of the ₦3,000 Ration Cash Allowance during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, even before formal release of funds, urging them to remain hopeful as positive changes are underway.
The Defence Chief also emphasised his commitment to the welfare of personnel after retirement, expressing concern that many veterans leave service without sustainable means of livelihood.
He revealed that, with the President’s support, engagements are ongoing with financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes at reduced interest rates of between five and seven percent, particularly targeted at spouses, to enable them pursue viable businesses and ensure family stability, while also expanding access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes.
According to him, the ultimate objective is to ensure that by the time personnel exit service, they have a personal home, a stable source of livelihood and a sense of fulfilment for having served the nation with honour.
He assured that more incentives would be communicated as they are finalized.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kashim, noted that the Social Night was thoughtfully conceived to create a moment of relaxation, reflection and celebration for officers and men of the Armed Forces.
According to him, the gathering provides an avenue to honour the courage, dedication and professionalism of personnel who continue to serve the nation with unwavering loyalty and sacrifice, while also serving as a solemn occasion to remember and pay tribute to fallen heroes who gave their lives in the supreme service of the fatherland.
He further emphasised that the true strength of the Armed Forces goes beyond weapons and operational strategies, stressing that it is firmly rooted in unity, shared values and the strong bonds of fellowship among personnel.
Rear Admiral Kachim explained that such occasions reinforce the collective resolve that binds the Armed Forces as one family, reminding all present that cohesion and mutual support remain critical to sustaining morale and operational effectiveness.
The Chief of Defence Administration stated that the Social Night offers a rare opportunity for personnel to step away from the rigours of duty, reconnect with colleagues and appreciate one another’s contributions to national peace, security and stability.
He urged attendees to enjoy the evening’s activities with a profound sense of gratitude, celebrating the living, honouring the deserving, and eternally remembering fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire steadfast commitment to duty.
Speaking on behalf of all soldiers, ratings and airmen, the Regimental Sergeant Major of Defence Headquarters, Army Warrant Officer Dada Gbenga, expressed profound gratitude for the honour of the occasion and the successful hosting of the memorable Social and Award Ceremony.
He noted that the night served as a powerful affirmation that the sacrifices, resilience and uncommon patriotism of men and women in uniform are recognised, valued and deeply appreciated.
He commended the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a morale-boosting platform that celebrates excellence while strengthening unity and pride across the Services.
He also acknowledged the recognition accorded to outstanding soldiers, ratings and airmen, stressing that the awards reaffirm that professionalism, discipline, loyalty and selfless service do not go unnoticed.
Army Warrant Officer Gbenga further reminded the gathering that the celebration was also a solemn moment to remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
He stated that their sacrifices remain the foundation of the country’s peace and freedom, assuring that their courage and memories would forever be honoured and their labours never in vain.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of their souls and comfort for their families, noting that the gratitude of the nation stands as a lasting tribute to their service.
He concluded by charging personnel still in active service to see the occasion as both an encouragement and a renewed call to duty, urging them to remain steadfast, united and committed to the defence of the nation.
Many musicians were in attendance inuding Innocent Idibia, AKA Tuface and Cultural dances amongst others.