President Bola Tinubu has said his administration would do everything necessary to ensure a significant reduction in the security challenges confronting the country within the shortest period.
Tinubu, who disclosed this at the Grand Finale of the 2023 Nigerian Armed Forces Day Celebration (NADCEL) and 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army, assured Nigerians of his determination to protect lives and property across the country.
During the event held at the Maj. Gen. J. M. Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the President, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, promised better funding, better equipment and robust welfare packages to advance the professional efficiency of the military.
International best practices
He also urged the Army personnel to adhere to international best practices in their operations, as well as improve on military-civilian relationship, while tasking them on the need to be resolute, as their sacrifices would not be in vain
Tinubu said: “As for the members of the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces, I assure you of unfettered commitment to your welfare. I am aware of the issues of inadequate equipment and inadequate funding, among other factors constraining your operational efficiency.
“The Federal Government, under my leadership, has instituted a fair mechanism that will comprehensively address these shortfalls consistent with established national security objectives,” he disclosed.
The host and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, in his address of welcome, vowed to lead the Army with loyalty and pledged the unflinching support of the Nigerian Army to democratic governance in the country.
Lagbaja affirmed that the Nigerian Army had come a long way, leading up to its assigned constituency role and had continued to contribute to domestic and global security through internal security and peace keeping operations.
He stated: “It is through our concerted efforts that activities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other forms of criminality that threatened the corporate existence of this country have been greatly reduced.
“The Nigerian Army has also made tremendous progress in the areas of profesionalism, administration and cooperation among sister services and other security agencies,” the COAS revealed.
He thanked the President, Vice President, Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Oyo State and other dignitaries at the event for the support to the Nigerian Army, saying their presence not only added beauty and glamour to the event but also demonstrated the depth of their affection to the Army.
The event also saw presentation of Nigerian Army souvenirs to special guests and the COAS Commendation Award, the highest award in the Nigerian Army, to officers and men of the Army who distinguished themselves in the 2022/23 period under review.
Equipment display
The highpoint of the celebration was the static display by the Army troops across various formations and departments, including physical training display session by the Directorate of Army Training, airborne operation, and engineers equipment display, among others.
The event had in attendance the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, among all other Service Chiefs; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde; Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, among others.
Royal fathers in attendance include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun; and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, among others.
Lateefah Ibrahim
