The 162th Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) continued on Sunday with an Interdenominational Church Service service at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja with Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede stating that the religious faith of Nigerian soldiers gives them strength and inspiration to carry out their duties of defending the nation and her citizens as well as assets.
For this reason, General Oluyede said the soldiers always begin their anniversaries with religious worship to symbolise the Nigerian Army’s humble acknowledgement of the divine role of the Almighty in all its affairs.
With theme, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” the COAS noted that it is generally accepted that God gives soldiers he moral guidance and emotional stability that reinforce ethical behaviour and motivate the officers and men to act in appropriate ways during operations.
Therefore, the Army Chief said: “It is on this foundation that the fundamentals of sound administration, which is central to my Command Philosophy, will continue to place our soldiers first.”
Oluyede stated that the tradition of celebrating Nigerian Army Day each year offers an opportunity to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army, adding that it “reflects on the sacrifices, resilience, and selfless commitment of our officers and soldiers in service to our great country, Nigeria as well as a time to remember and honour our brave heroes who fell in the line of duty whose families bear their absence, loss and scars.
“As the Nigerian Army progresses into the future with this noble aspiration, the unity of thought, as a policy, will continue to upgrade the quality of our operations through improved training, acquisition of modern equipment and enhancement of operational and administrative processes.
“To all those who seek to disrupt the sanctity of our freedom, our heritage of liberty and our enduring democracy, be assured that your failure is certain and your boast lacks value.
“It is equally a reminder of the unassailable oath of allegiance to our beloved nation to remain steadfast and discharge our duties in the face of adversity, as a legacy to our children. We will continue to bear the torch of our sovereign values, and the light of our heritage shall never fade.”
General Oluyede assured military families that their spouses will continue to draw strength from their prayers and endearment.
“You are always there to provide succour as we bear the pain of loss and nurse the wounds of battle. For this, we owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to foster a joint and multi-agency environment to effectively deliver our mandate of securing our beloved nation.”
In his sermon, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Martins Amuluche, urged NA personnel to remain loyal in the discharge of their duties, stating that “loyalty is an expression of faithfulness to God and a sign of unwavering moral courage stressing also that the loyalty of a soldier has the potential to transform conduct and revive spiritual consciousness.”
The 2025 interdenominational church service was graced by dignitaries including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and her spouse who is the President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa; senior officers both serving and retired.
