The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas over the last 161 years of its existence.
Lagbaja said this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, on Monday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.
He said the army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.
According to him, the challenges faced by the Nigerian army over the past 161 years notwithstanding, it has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.
“It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6, to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God,” he said.
The COAS said that the NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world.
“The eventful history had spanned 161 years, dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.
He said the army had played crucial roles in defence of the country and maintenance of peace and security.
He added that the celebration would provide an opportunity to celebrate brave men and women, who have served and continued to serve in the army.
According to him, it is expedient to state that as the Nigerian army evolves, it continually builds capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities.
“The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.
“The Nigerian army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished” reuniting the country in 1970.
“Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping, especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.
“The effectiveness of the Nigerian army in peacekeeping resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries.
“In spite of our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts,” he said.
Lagbaja said that the NADCEL aimed to showcase the army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian army.
The theme for the year, according to him, is “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.
He said the theme was carefully selected considering the significance of transformation for combat readiness and proficiency toward attaining a robust national security that supported economic prosperity and resilient democracy, in accordance with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The COAS said the 2024 celebration would be held in Jos, the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army with lined up activities from July 1 to July 6.
He said the events would include conduct of free medical outreach and inauguration of quick impact projects within the host community.
He added that it would elicit their support and cooperation as well as special lecture on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian army’s transformation.
According to him, the crescendo for the NADCEL is the Grand Finale that will involve parade and COAS Commendation Award.
“It will also include armament and equipment display and exhibitions on historical transformation of the Nigerian army and some research and development efforts of the army including some of its partners.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA