President Bola Tinubu has expressed the firm commitment of his administration to countering contemporary security threats through the adoption of emerging technologies, and the building of capacity across all battle spaces and improving operational planning and combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.
This is as the President congratulated the Nigerian Army on the celebration of it 163rd anniversary, which was concluded in a colourful display of several military drills and tactical masteries at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.
Addressing the soldiers and thousands of other Nigerians who thronged the stadium to witness the celebration, President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President, Kashim Shatima observed that the nation’s armed forces had long stood as a symbol and source of pride across the African continent.
He said that the devotion of the army to neutralising threats in this part of the world extended beyond Nigeria’s borders and a real contribution to global security, peace and stability.
“It is in recognition of these that I feel deeply honored to join you here today. Across the whole of our history, the Nigerian soldiers stood where the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life might continue undisturbed”, he stated.
He said that the theme of the celebration; “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People, a Way Forward For the Nigerian Army”, spoke to the co-balance between the people and those who bear arms on their behalf.
“It reminds us that the Nigerian Army draws its full strength from the trust of the citizens it exists to defend”, he stressed.
The President expressed his administration’s commitment to a focused and sustained research and development efforts aimed at advancing technologies and strengthening homegrown innovations noting that they were on a steady progress.
“The revitalization of the Defense Industry’s Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) since it is the heart of this ambition, and the partnership represented by this forum promises fresh momentum for local production, and creation of skilled employment and positive confidence that flows from a nation able to arm itself.
“To this end, successive governments have made efforts to rebuild the Defence Industry’s Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) and the coming on board of the African Land Forces Forum to promote the growth of our defense industries is a welcome development.
It is my hope that this strategic partnership will be a great boost to the efforts of DICON to produce high-end combat enablers with bright prospects for your creation and local content development.
The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordination among nations, collaboration for border security, the building of capacity for counterterrorism operations, and the establishment of regional stand-by forces”.
In his welcome address, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waibi Shaibu said that the Nigerian Army remained steadfast in the sacred duty to defend the Nigerian sovereignty and protect its territorial integrity and safeguard the lives and aspirations of the people.
He said; “This solemn responsibility defines the very essence of our existence and continues to inspire our resolve to keep Nigeria safe, secure, united, and prosperous for present and future generations.
“For this reason, our team for this year’s Nigerian Army Days Celebration is protecting the nation and serving the people. A way forward for the Nigerian Army, reflecting our enduring promise to Nigeria. The Nigerian Army Days Celebration profoundly reminds us of our enduring legacy and the sacrifices made for national unity and peace.
Today, we pay tribute to the extraordinarily guaranteed courage and selfless sacrifice of Nigerian soldiers, particularly those who answered the nation’s call to duty and ultimately laid down their lives in defense of our country’s sovereignty. We remain entirely grateful for their sacrifice and reaffirm our collective responsibility to preserve the ideas for which they gave their all”.
Lt. Gen Shaibu added that this year’s Nigerian Army Days celebration was also a reaffirmation of the army commitment to protecting the nation and serving the people, regardless of the challenges of any era.
“Over the years, the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Our personnel have served with distinction, both at home and abroad, upholding the highest standard of professionalism and patriotism. The lessons of our history have continued to guide us as we confront new realities and work tirelessly to ensure peace and stability across Nigeria.
“Today, the Nigerian Army faces developing security threats, ranging from insurgency, terrorism, such as this agitation, bandit training, and emerging transnational crimes.
“Despite these challenges, our troops have continued to achieve significant operational successes, degrading terrorist networks, reclaiming communities, and restoring relative peace to troubled regions. We continue to invest in training, intelligence, and modern equipment while deepening collaboration with sister security agencies.
“Our ongoing modernisation efforts and community engagement initiatives have also aimed to strengthen public trust and further enhance the effectiveness of our operations, ensuring that the safety and security of every Nigerian.
“It is important to note that this year’s celebration holds as a crucial period when over 80% of Nigerian troops are fully committed in ongoing operations to combat the diverse security challenges bedeviling ing our dear nation”, the COAS declared
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, thanked the Army Command for choosing River States for the event, describing it as very significant to him as a governor and the good people of River States because it signified peace no threats in the state, as against the numerous reports in the media.
He pledged continue support to the security agencies operating in the state by giving them all the support for them to operate.
“For us to get the best from our men, they also need to be taken good care of. So their welfare should also be a top priority to this particular administration” Gov. Fubara urged.
