ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, says the Nigerian Army has in more than 100 years of history, been a source of pride to the nation.
Irabor said this, at the 2024 Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA), on Saturday in Abuja.
He noted that the Army had recorded well-documented victories from participation in the first and second World Wars, as well as various peacekeeping operations across the globe, and current internal security operations across the country.
According to him, there are other formal engagements beyond the traditional defence and security duties being undertaken, which have contributed to national growth and development.
“These include roads, bridges, electricity transmission lines, schools, medical centers, among others.
“These achievements were recorded through the dedication and sacrifices of our Nigerian military personnel, some of whom have paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
“We owe all of you a debt of gratitude for your services to the country.
“As members of the Armed Forces, you owe your loyalty to your code of duty as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
Irabor also noted that the military was in all, an epitome of regimentation, saying it was therefore appropriate and commendable to organise a social interaction.
According to him, social interaction where military drills are reduced to the barest to allow soldiers and their families interact in a very relaxed atmosphere.
He former chief of defence staff also lauded the frontline troops for their great service to the nation, adding that Nigeria and Nigerians celebrate their valor and patriotism.
He noted that the richness and cultural diversity of Nigerian soldiers from diverse tribes across the country, were observed to be the source of strength and effectiveness of troops.
This, according to him, informed the decision to institute the West African Social Activities as a celebration of strength from the cultural diversity of our peoples.
“There is hardly any institution in Nigeria, where our people’s culture and tradition are more represented than in the Nigerian military, and this leaves a special connotation to the celebration of WASA.
“The recognition and celebration of our cultural diversity and its richness, by the Nigerian military have allowed our institution to stand tall over the years and to succeed at preventing the unity and conflict resistance of our dear nation.”
Irabor therefore, urged officers and soldiers to continue to do their best to uphold military tenets and be alive to their constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu, had been attentive and supportive to the demands of the military by improving the well-being of servicemen and their families.
“The Nigerian Army today, is seen to have played more roles in all of civil authority at any time in our history.
“Indeed, I am glad that the Nigerian Army, has recorded numerous achievements in its effort to keep the country safe in conjunction with other services and agencies.
“This is without prejudice to its respect for the rules of law and subordination to the civil authority. To do that, I wish to use this opportunity of the West Africa Social Activities, called WASA, to commend the gallant confederates and saviors of the Nigerian Army,” he said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the activities featured cultural display by various ethnic groups, display of traditional cuisines and tug of war competitions.
While the 053 NAF Camp Team won the Tug of War, Mega Suya competition was won by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, while the Office of the Chief of Army Staff won the Nigerian Traditional Cuisine.(NAN)
