President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, morale, and operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, pledging continued investment in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities, and human capital development.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Grand Finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration held Sunday at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, Tinubu declared that Nigeria’s military is the bedrock of national sovereignty and deserves unwavering national support.
“To the men and women of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces more broadly, I reaffirm my administration’s commitment to your welfare and operational capacity. This is not a favour. It is a duty owed to those who defend us,” Tinubu said.
The President hailed the Army’s 162-year history as central to Nigeria’s nationhood, calling for continuous efforts to equip and empower soldiers to meet modern security challenges.
Applauding this year’s theme, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,” Tinubu said a great army must first be built on strong soldiers.
“Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts. They are the bedrock of national security,” he stressed.
He saluted troops for their sacrifices on peacekeeping missions abroad and internal operations at home, paying tribute to fallen heroes and urging soldiers still in service to press on with honour and discipline.
“We honour those who have paid the supreme price and those who continue to shield our democracy from those who would tear it down,” Tinubu said. “Some lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation; others nurse the wounds of war.”
Acknowledging the continued threats from terrorism, banditry, and secessionist violence, Tinubu emphasized the need for unity in confronting what he described as existential threats.
“These evils do not discriminate by tribe or faith. They destroy churches and mosques alike. Therefore, our response must be united, firm, and uncompromising.”
He assured troops of his “full authorization” to confront and defeat enemies of the state, adding that the nation stands behind them.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, noted that over more than a century, the Nigerian Army has evolved into a modern, well-equipped fighting force, guided by a commitment to professionalism and sacrifice.
He said recent acquisitions have bolstered the Army’s capacity to confront threats, but urged field commanders to remain bold and innovative in their strategies.
“Every operation must be geared toward one clear objective: the success and unity of our nation,” he said.
Oluyede also appealed to civilians living near operational areas to see the military as protectors, not oppressors.
The event drew a high-profile audience including former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Uba Sani; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Senate President (represented), Senator Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Former COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Royal fathers, service chiefs, and members of the Kaduna State Executive Council
President Tinubu’s message concluded with a reminder to all citizens: “We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage her future to division, indifference, or delay.”
