President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Army as one of the nation’s most patriotic and selfless institutions, highlighting the sacrifices made by its members who have volunteered, fought, and died for the country’s peace.
President Tinubu made these remarks in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, NADCEL 2024, held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, 3 Division headquarters.
The President represented at the event by the Minster of Defence, Mohammed Badaru admitted that the times were complex and ever-changing which the Army must continue to evolve to meet, therefore the security architecture must also change to meet up with the new threats.
He described the Nigerian Army as ‘the backbone of the security architecture that would ensure such security’ and they must sustain the progress made so far while evolving strategies to ensure that violent groups do not overwhelm peaceful and law-abiding Nigerians, conducting themselves in a manner that reflects professionalism.
The President said; “Judging from the excellent parade and the display, I am convinced that the Nigerian Army has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them, I see the eagerness and pride on the faces of the young men and women as they showed their commitment to defend the country.”
The President encouraged all personnel to continue to work closely with sister services, other security agencies as well as fellow countrymen and women describing the men of the Army as a representation of the pride of the nation; an institution with history that has never failed Nigeria.
He said; “What can be more patriotic than to lay down one’s life for the sake of the nation? The Nigerian Army has made and continues to make huge sacrifices to keep us safe as the security challenges increased in the last decade and half, it has risen to the challenge to keep Nigeria safe”
“To paraphrase Winston Churchill, never in the history of Nigeria, has so many owed so much to so few. As your Commander-In-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation. We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you fulfil your constitutional responsibilities.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
