President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Nigerian Army on the 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The president conveyed his congratulatory message to the Force at the grand finale of the NADCEL, in Owerri, on Wednesday.
Buhari, represented by the Minister for Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bachir Magaji (rtd), thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, for the resilience of Nigerian Army under his watch, in the face of daunting challenges.
He urged the Army to remain proactive and adapt new strategies, measures and techniques and to sustain their collaborative efforts with other security agencies.
He pledged his unflinching commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria, that could occupy its pride of place in the comity of nations and give Nigerians a proud sense of belonging.
“My administration will continue to do everything within its constitutional power to safeguard Nigerians. I reassure you of my commitment to the security of all Nigerians.
“I thank the Chief Of Army Staff and his officers and soldiers for their loyalty to our nationhood and I promise to do everything within my constitutional power to support you,” he said.
Speaking, Yahaya thanked the President for keeping faith with the Nigerian Army and informed him that the Army, under his watch, had modestly lived up to expectation.
He assured the President of his loyalty to Nigeria and commitment to nationhood.
He added that troops were already undergoing rigorous training for the 2023 elections and charged them to remain apolitical and professionally carry out their constitutional duty, in line with the rules of engagement.
“It was on this day in 1967 that the first shot was fired to start the civil war. Today, we remember the role of the Army in returning peace to Nigeria.
“I also like to state that the Nigerian Army under my watch, has conducted kinetic as well as civil-military operations such as donation of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic of the pandemic.
“We have also constructed roads and schools in various parts of the country, with the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association carrying out humanitarian outreach to civilians.
“I therefore reassure Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army under my watch to do everything within our constitutional powers to preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to ensure that Nigerians can have a military which they can be proud of,” he said.
Scholarship awards were presented to children of fallen soldiers, with some serving officers and soldiers receiving awards for their outstanding performances.
Also Present at the event were Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. L.E.O. Irabor, other service chiefs, and heads of security agencies as well as members of the National Assembly committees on Army, Defence and Security.