President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, reaffirmed his determination to address challenges posed by terrorists and bandits. He also promised to ensure safety of life and property of all Nigerians.
He gave the assurance at the Sports Arena of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Oojo, Ibadan, during the grand finale of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day celebration.
In his keynote address, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, equally promised better funding, equipment and robust welfare packages to advance professional efficiency of the military.
He also urged Army personnel to adhere to international best practices in their operations, as well as military-civilian relationships and the need to be resolute.
He said: “Nigerian Army has remained one of the strongest pillars of hope for the citizenry as we forge ahead to achieve a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
“My administration will continue to do everything within the constitution and power to ensure safety of the citizens, as well as unity of the country. As for the members of the Nigerian Army and the entire armed forces, I assure you of untainted commitment to your welfare.
“My remarks will be incomplete without commending the new Chief of Army Staff for his proactive measure in organising this well-packaged NADCEL 2023. This also showed his readiness to tackle all the security challenges.
“At this juncture, I wish to congratulate all serving and retired Army personnel on the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army. We appreciate the services and sacrifices of our heroes past and those still alive, without whose efforts, the nation would have been in jeopardy.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, said Nigerian Army is living up to its constitutional role and has continued to contribute to domestic and global security through internal security, as well as peacekeeping operations.
He said: “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 keep Nigeria a united, indivisible and prosperous nation.”
“The Nigerian Army has come a long way and it’s living up to it’s assigned constitutional roles, we have contributed to domestic and global through internal security as well as peacekeeping operations, it’s through our concerted efforts that the activities of insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other forms g criminalities that threaten the corporate existence of this country have been greatly reduced,” Lagbaja added.
