President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his determination to ensure safety of lives and properties of all the citizenry across all the country.
President Tinubu made the disclosure on Thursday at the Sports Arena of the 2 Div Nigerian Army Headquaters, Oojo, Ibadan, during the Grand Finale of the 2023 Nigerian Armed Forces Day Celebration (NADCEL 2023).
Tinubu in his words assured Nigerians of his determination to protect lives and properties across the country.
Delivering his keynote address, the President, who was ably represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima equally promises better funding, equipment and robust welfare packages to advance the professional efficiency of the military.
He also urges army personnel to adhere to international best practices in their operations as well as military- civilian relationship while tasking them on the need to be resolute as their sacrifices will not be in vein.
He said, “Nigerian Army has remain one of the strongest pillars of hope for the Nigerian citizenry as we forge ahead to achieve a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”
“My administration will continue to do everything within the constitution and power to ensure the safety of the law abiding citizens as well as unity of our dear country, as for the members of the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed forces I assure you of untainted commitment to your welfare, I’m aware of the issue of inadequate equipment and insufficient funding among other factors constraining your efficiency, the federal government under my leadership has instituted a mechanism that will address all these shortfalls.”
“My remarks will be incomplete without commending the chief of Army staff for his proactive measure in organizing this well package NADCEL 2023, especially as he only recently assume office, this also showed his readiness in support to tackle all the security challenges, I assure you, I will continue to support all the laudable initiatives put in place in the pursuit of national defense and security of our nation.”
“At this juncture I wish to congratulate all the serving and retired Army personnel on this auspicious celebration of the 160 years anniversary of the prestigious Nigerian Army. We appreciate the services and sacrifices of our hero past and those still alive, without whose efforts we enjoyed as a nation will have been I jeopardy.” Tinubu said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host of the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja reemphasizing the theme of the celebration entitled “Sound administration as panacea for effective military operations”, vows to lead the army with loyalty and support to democratic governance in the country.
He said, “The Nigerian Army is indeed one of the potent tools of the nation building, it is on this note that I proudly state that this celebration remains a very important platform for us all to remember the invaluable sacrifices that our personnel have continue to keep Nigeria a united, indivisible and prosperous nation additionally while reflecting on the past.”
“NADCEL present opportunities for the Nigerian Army to reflect on its future by fine-tuning and redirecting it’s efforts to remain in perfect harmony with it’s constitutional roles of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and it’s constitutions.”
“It is on this premise and in line with the current development of the Nigeria Army that the theme for this year celebration which is Sound administration as panacea for effective military operations was chosen.”
“The Nigerian Army has come a long way and it’s living up to it’s assigned constitutional roles, we have contribute to domestic and global through internal security as well as peace keeping operations, it’s through our concerted efforts that the activities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other forms g criminalities that threatens the corporate existence of this country have been greatly reduced.” Lagbaja said.
Display of various military wares and specialized armored vehicles, static display by gallant soldiers, presentation of honours, awards and souvenirs, amongst others are part of activities to commemorate the grand finale of the weeklong event.