NADCEL 2025: COAS Preaches Unity In Quest For Stability, Prosperity
•••As Nigerian Army Marks 162 Years Of Safeguarding Territorial Integrity
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has urged soldiers to embrace unity in quest for stability and prosperity of the country, just as the Nigerian Army commenced anniversary marking 162 years of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.
Speaking on Sunday at Christ The King Military Catholic Church, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Inter-Denominational Church Service, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the commencement of this year’s celebration with Jumat prayer and interdenominational church service across all formations and units is both significant and symbolic.
Olufemi, charged soldiers to make use of NADCEL 2025 to renew their commitments towards safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect it’s territorial integrity, while upholding the right of all citizens.
He said, “let us continue to work together, united in our quest for stability and lasting prosperity for our dear country.
“It is truly remarkable that the Nigerian Army is commemorating 162 years of dedicated service to our beloved fatherland.” Oluyede said.
The Chief of Army Staff further said, “we mark this milestone with profound joy and gratitude to God whose grace has brought us victories in numerous battles and challenges, granting us victory that reaffirm the Amighty Gods enduring love for our beloved nation.
“The last year has been a challenging one for the Nigerian Army, notably Tuesday 5 November 2024 we suffered a great loss with the passing of our leader, the former Chief of Army staff, (COAS) Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, who answered the call to eternal glory. While we grieve, we take solace in the truth that God knows what is best for us all. I urge us to be comforted with the knowledge that he now rests peacefully in the bosom of his creator.
“As we celebrate the Nigerian Army at 162, let us be mindful that Nigerians look to us to play a vital role in overcoming the current security challenges being experienced across the country.
“Globally, The Nigerian Army is recognized as a key player in regional security initiatives, contributing troops to various peacekeeping efforts and collaborating with international partners to combat terrorism and other security threats. While at home the Nigerian Army is the backbone of our national defense, working tirelessly to protect our citizens, defending our territorial integrity and supporting the civil authority law and order from counter insurgency efforts to peacekeeping missions”, Lieutenant General Oluyede stated.
While speaking on the theme of NADCEL 2025, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformative Drive”, Oluyede said, “we have chosen the theme for this year’s NADCEL to be “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative For Nigerian Army Transformation Drive“, to highlight our responsibility to national unity, integration, and development, which underscores our commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defence management in the country and beyond.
“Our soldiers have consistently exemplified professionalism, discipline and commitment as a formidable force.”
“Today we stand as a force focused on victory and fully aware of the spiritual dimension in our fighting power, we attribute our successes in battles to God as it is clearly expressed in our motto – Victory is from God Alone.”
“I believe it was this deep sense of gratitude and that desire for divine guidance that inspired our forebears to incorporate religious activities into the NADCEL alongside other commemorative events. Our gathering today is to therefore thank the Almighty God for His guidance through the past year and to seek His continued blessings in the days ahead.
“The NADCEL service also serve as a medium to honour our fallen warriors, celebrate those still in active serve and pray for a brighter and stronger future for the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army commitment to the whole of nations approach to strategic preparedness and readiness that strengthens our National resilience is unwavering. Thus, my command philosophy seeks to consolidate true transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“This philosophy has defined our policies and engagements this past year and NADCEL 2025 provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements and review future plans in our pledged commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law and the economic prosperity of our beloved nation.
“I charge you to do your best to make NADCEL 2025 a worthwhile celebration, I also assure you that the Army Headquarters will continue to put the welfare of its personnel and their families first. We must also remember to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our beloved colleagues who have paid the supreme sacrifice in line of duty and for the recovery of the wounded in action warriors. To these souls and their families they left behind we owe a debt of gratitude. Nigerian Army, salutes and celebrate their courage, gallantry and sacrifice.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and our families, I sincerely appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and strategic policy guidance and support to the Nigerian Army.
In their separate sermons, Colonel (Reverend Father) Cosmas Nwankpa, and the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Nigerian Army Islamic Affairs, Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Lawal urged the soldiers to be more dedicated to their duties. They also called for more improved welfare for the soldiers in order to give their best in serving their father’s land.
2025 NADCEL celebration commenced with the Jumat service prayer at the 2 Div Nigerian Army Central Mosque on 27th June, 2025.