…as interdenominational church service holds in Bauchi
Segun Babatunde, Bauchi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has enjoined Nigerian Army personnel in 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, to keep praying for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes, who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defending Nigeria.
General Lagbaja gave the charge on Tuesday at an interdenominational church service in commemoration of Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, held at Saint Michael’s Military Church (Roman Catholic), Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi.
In a goodwill message delivered at the Church Service by the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Emmanuel Egbe, the COAS urged the troops to also remember to pray for the speedy physiological and psychological recovery of personnel who suffered injuries during operations in defence of the Nigerian nation and the citizenry.
According to him, the fallen heroes laid down their lives and sacrificed body parts to defend the territorial integrity of the nation.
He pointed out, that this year’s NADCEL theme, “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”, highlights Nigerian Army’s responsibility to promote national unity, integration, and development.
General Lagbaja maintained that the theme underscores the Army’s commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defence management in the country and beyond.
The COAS, further noted that Nigeria today boasts of an Army that is globally reckoned with, victory-focused and understands the underlying spiritual component of fighting power, and ascribes operational successes to God, as conspicuously captured by its motto: “Victory is from God Alone”.
While lauding the troops for their operational doggedness and commitment, General Lagbaja charged them to maintain the highest standards of service and self-discipline, as well as to do their best in making the NADCEL 2024 a worthwhile celebration.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting support to the NA and pledged the unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the Constitution, Government and people of Nigeria.
He equally expressed appreciation to the National Assembly, the Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and fellow Service Chiefs as well as heads of other security agencies for their guidance, understanding, and collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief enjoined all Nigerians to continue to support and partner with the NA to collectively defeat the adversaries of the nation.
Earlier in a sermon, the Chaplain in Charge of Saint Michael’s Military Church (RC) Shadawanka Barracks, Captain (Reverend Father) Emmanuel Audu, admonished personnel to always demonstrate the core values of the Nigerian Army which are Discipline, sacrifice, loyalty, dedication to duty, personal courage, integrity and respect for others in the discharge of the constitutional roles.
Captain Audu further urged personnel to be professional in the discharge of their roles by imbibing the virtues of peace, tolerance and love in order to triumph over enemies of the Nigeria.
The special Nigerian Army Day Celebration Inter-denominational Church Service was attended by senior officers, soldiers, members of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association among others.
Highlights of the celebration were intercessory prayers for both service and fallen heroes, ministration by various groups, Nigerian Army Day Celebration thanksgiving among others.
