By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has earmarked several non-kinetic activities to commemorate its 162nd anniversary.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede disclosed this during a press briefing at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Army (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi restated the commitment of the army to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and democracy.
The theme of this year’s celebration is,“Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army:s Transformation Drive.”
He said:“In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues.
“Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty.
“In this vein, the Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian People and the perpetuity of our democracy.’
Oluyede said Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to showcase achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of Nigeria’s national values.
The army chief noted that the theme was carefully selected as as a renewed drive to transform the Army by placing soldiers first.
“The Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities, ” he said.
Oluyede highlighted a number of activities lined up for this year’s celebration.
“We have since commenced with the traditional Jumat Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services which symbolizes our humble acknowledgement of the Nigerian Army motto, ‘Victory is from God Alone”.
“There will be commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, free medical outreach programme and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association charity outreach programme. On the same day, there will be public speaking engagement visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army Formations.
“On Saturday 5 July 2025, there will be a lecture at Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues and thereafter we will have the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition.
“In the evening of the same day, there will be a Gala Night with officers and soldiers at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna.
“The event will be rounded up with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on 6 July 2025 where we will witness a military parade, equipment display as well as the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel. “
