The Nigerian Army has identified youth development as a critical pillar of national security, rewarding outstanding students during the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) in a renewed effort to foster patriotism, innovation and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, presented cash prizes to winners of the Quiz, Debate, Essay, Poetry and Arts competitions organised as part of the NADCEL 2026 activities in Port Harcourt.
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The Army leadership said the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to harness the intellectual potential of Nigerian youths while strengthening civil-military relations through sustained engagement with educational institutions across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the competitions were designed to encourage critical thinking, creativity, innovation and patriotism, stressing that achieving lasting national security requires a whole-of-society approach in which young people play a central role in promoting national unity, resilience and sustainable peace.K
Among those honoured was Officer Cadet Olokor Razak Oghale of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who won the tertiary poetry category. Other recipients included Master Shittu Muyide Marvel, a 500-level Medical Sciences student of the University of Ilorin, who emerged winner of the Arts Competition, while Master Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a 400-level Computer Science student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, secured third place in the tertiary arts category.
Additional award recipients were Master Emmanuel Chibuzo Chukwu, Master Daniel Akinyiwola, Miss Amen Gloria, Miss Amina Mustapha and Miss Angel Olaedo Egbukohia, who distinguished themselves across the various poetry categories.
The Nigerian Army noted that the awards underscore its determination to recognise academic excellence, nurture future patriotic leaders and deepen Civil-Military Cooperation through initiatives that connect national development with youth empowerment and nation-building.
