By Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has ensured Nigerian armed forces of his full support to face and decidedly defeat all threats to the peace and unity of the nation, including terrorism, insurrection, bandits and separatist agitations.
Speaking on Sunday at the Grand Final of the 162nd celebration of the Nigerian army day held in the Murtala Muhammed square in Kaduna, the president, represented by the vice -president Kashim Shettimo, broke into the commitment of his administration towards the well -being and operational effectiveness of the military.
President Tinubu said that his government will continue to invest in modern equipment, intelligence and human capital to ensure that military personnel are well equipped to fulfill their duties.
Tinubu said: “A country is as strong as the courage of those who defend it.
“For 162 years, the Nigerian army has remained as the backbone of the sovereignty of our nation, modeling the course of its history.”
“For the men and women of the Nigerian army and the armed forces in a wider way, I repeat the unshakable commitment of my administration for well -being and operational ability.
“We will continue to invest in modern equipment, intelligence and human capital that guides your effectiveness. This is not a favorite: it is a duty due to those who defend us.”
Praise the theme of the celebration of the Army day this year –“Develop the first concept of Soldier: imperative for the transformation of the Nigerian army”—Prescent Tinubu described him as a reflection of both strategic thought and compassion.
“You cannot build a large army without first construction of strong soldiers. Their well -being, morals, equipment and the sense of the purpose are not aimed: they are the foundation of national security,” he said.
Bringing a brilliant tribute to the Nigerian armed forces, Tinubu praised the gallantry of troops who continue to lift the flag of Nigeria in peace maintenance messes all over the world while fighting for peace at home.
He added: “Today we honor the permanent sacrifice of these men and women. We honor those who paid the supreme price.
“And we honor those who continue to wear uniform, standing at the gates of our democracy, protecting us from those who would have shot down.”
While recognizing the persistent threats to safety for the country, Tinubu stressed that these dangers are not only security challenges, but existential threats that require a unified and firm response.
“These evils do not discriminate against tribes or faith. They destroy both churches and mosques. They will kidnap the children without asking where they love. Therefore, our response must be united, firm and uncompromising,” said the president.
He said: “To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army, I say it clearly: the time to go up is now.
“You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to face and defeat those who try to undermine our nation. You have my trust, my support and my prayers. And I know you have the determination to prevail.”
He also extended the condolences to the families of fallen heroes and promised that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
He said: “Some now lie in silence under the soil of a grateful nation; others still bring the wounds of the war. To the families they have left behind, we offer our deepest sympathies. Their memory will last. Their blood has not been poured in vain.”
President Tinubu reminded all interested parties that the task of building a peaceful and united Nigeria is not the task of only soldiers, but a shared responsibility of all citizens, leaders and institutions.
“We have no other country except Nigeria. We must not mortgage his future for division, indifference or delay,” he said, while praising the head of the army staff, the lieutenant general Taoreed Lagbaja, for his leadership and commitment for professionalism.
Even speaking, the head of the army staff stated that the Nigerian army has undergone a substantial transformation in over 160 years, with a renewed attention to equipment, platforms and modern skills.
He urged the field commanders to remain daring, strategic and guided by the mission, saying: “Each operation must be oriented towards a clear goal: the success of the nation”.
The dignitaries present at the event included the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; Governor of the state of Kaduna, UBA Sani; Defense Minister, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defense, beautiful Matawalle; Deputy Head of the President’s staff, Ibrahim Hadejia; and president of the Army Senate Committee, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, who represented the president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio. Others included the general manager of the voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jbrin Baba Ndace.
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