The Nigerian Army marked its 161st anniversary with a series of religious activities, including Jumat Prayers and an Interdenominational Church Service, across various formations and units as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Maj General Philip E. Eremosele, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the army’s rich history, celebrating its achievements, and seeking divine guidance for future endeavors.
Chief of Army Staff, expressed pride and humility in recognizing the achievements and resilience of the Nigerian Army over the past 161 years. He emphasized the significance of these religious activities, initiated by forefathers of the Army, as a means of seeking divine guidance and blessings for the coming year while thanking God for past victories.
“History is experience, and one cannot buy experience in the market. The Nigerian Army, in its 161 years, has been through wars, low-intensity conflicts, peacekeeping, and military aid to civil authority engagements. Today, we are a globally recognized force, known for our tenacity, adaptability, and focus on victory,” said Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.
The Chief of Army Staff highlighted the importance of thanking the Almighty and seeking His continued blessings, paralleling the strength of the Nigerian Army to the eagle, a symbol in its logo. He urged the Army community to pray for the repose of fallen soldiers and the recovery of wounded warriors, recognizing their sacrifices for national unity and territorial integrity.
This year’s NADCEL theme underscores the Army’s responsibility towards national unity, integration, and development, emphasizing strategic preparedness and readiness. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to a joint approach involving all stakeholders in combating contemporary security challenges.
Maj General Eremosele highlighted the Nigerian Army’s journey through wars, peacekeeping missions, and various military operations since its inception. He praised the force’s adaptability and resilience, attributing its numerous victories to divine intervention, as reflected in the army’s motto, “Victory Is from God Alone.”
“This year’s theme, ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment,’ underscores our commitment to national unity, integration, and development,” said Eremosele. He also expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other key leaders for their support and strategic guidance.
During the service, Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Usman, Deputy Director of 3 Division Chaplain Protestants, spoke on the significance of prayer in achieving victory, especially in challenging times. He commended the Nigerian Army for recognizing the power of prayer and ensuring spiritual support for their personnel.
“Our gathering today is to thank the Almighty for His guidance over the past year and seek His continued blessings, grace, and favour,” said Usman. He highlighted the importance of prayer in securing victories, drawing parallels from historical religious practices.
The NADCEL religious activities also provided an opportunity to honor fallen heroes, celebrate the living, and pray for the recovery of wounded soldiers. Maj General Eremosele urged everyone to continue praying for the souls of their fallen comrades and the recovery of those injured in the line of duty.
The events emphasized the army’s ongoing dedication to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and the economic prosperity of Nigeria. Eremosele assured that the Army Headquarters would continue formulating personnel and family-friendly policies to enhance the career experiences of their soldiers and the well-being of their families.
The celebration concluded with a call to the Nigerian Army family to take pride in their achievements and remain committed to their mission. The army’s leadership reaffirmed their pledge to serve the nation with pride, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
