Tunji Wusu –
Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu restated his commitment to addressing the threats presented by terrorists and bandits. Additionally, he pledged to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
During the spectacular finale of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day celebration, he provided the guarantee at the Sports Arena of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Oojo, Ibadan.
In his keynote speech, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also pledged to improve the military’s professional efficiency through greater financing, equipment, and comprehensive welfare programs.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of military-civilian interactions, the need to be decisive, and the need for Army soldiers to follow international best practices in their operations.
He stated: “As we move forward to build a united, peaceful, and wealthy country, the Nigerian Army has remained one of the strongest pillars of hope for the populace.
“My administration will continue to take all action permitted by the constitution and within its power to guarantee the security of the populace as well as national cohesion. Regarding the Nigerian Army and the whole armed forces, I can guarantee an unwavering dedication to your welfare.
“Without praising the new Chief of Army Staff for taking the initiative to organize this thoughtfully planned NADCEL 2023, my words would be incomplete. This further shown his willingness to meet any security problems.
“At this point, I’d like to congratulate all active-duty and retired soldiers on the Nigerian Army’s 160th anniversary. Without the contributions and sacrifices made by our heroes, both dead and alive, the country would not be where it is now.
Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, stated in his speech that the Nigerian Army is carrying out its constitutionally mandated duties and has continued to support both domestic and international security through internal security and peacekeeping missions.
In his words, “The Nigerian Army is indeed one of the potent tools of 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 continued to make to keep Nigeria a united, indivisible, and prosperous nation.”
The activities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits, and other forms of criminality that threaten the corporate existence of this country have been greatly reduced thanks to our concerted efforts, Lagbaja continued. “The Nigerian Army has come a long way and it’s living up to its assigned constitutional roles,” he said.
