The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to defending the country’s democratic values and ensuring peace and security nationwide.
Oluyede gave the assurance in a goodwill message to mark this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, pledging that the military high command would continue to build a highly professional force capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities.
He said the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies and civil authorities and guided by lessons from veterans, would continue to tackle security challenges to achieve lasting peace.
The CDS paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, preserved Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty. He described Remembrance Day as a poignant reminder of the price paid for the peace and freedoms enjoyed today.
“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow’. Their legacy of courage remains etched in our nation’s history,” Oluyede said, while also acknowledging the resilience of families of fallen personnel.
He commended troops serving across various theatres of operation for their professionalism, loyalty and dedication, assuring them that their welfare remains a top priority under his military strategic philosophy.
“Our Armed Forces will continue to root out all threats to national security, both local and trans-border,” the CDS said, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), said the Federal Government is prioritising indigenous defence production to guarantee sustainable security capabilities. Speaking at the opening of the National Symposium/Lecture series to commemorate the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Abuja, Musa said policy and legislative reforms are being pursued to revitalise local defence industries, encourage private sector participation, create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign supplies.
He noted that improved training, enhanced intelligence sharing and sustained military offensives have yielded notable successes against criminal and transnational threats, adding that security is a shared responsibility requiring community support.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), proposed the establishment of a National Defence Innovation Fund through public-private partnerships to finance research in critical technologies such as cyber defence, unmanned systems and satellite communications. He also called for reforms to reposition the Armed Forces as a catalyst for national development.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to support widows of fallen heroes, stressing that caring for their families is a meaningful way of honouring their sacrifices. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military families.
Similarly, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia pledged to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired military personnel in the state, assuring that payments would be concluded within days.
Across the country, leaders and stakeholders used the occasion to honour fallen heroes, pray for serving personnel and renew calls for unity, patriotism and collective responsibility for national security.
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!
-
0 -
0 -
0 -
0 -
0 -
0
