Nigerian Army flags off activities marking its 154 years anniversary
The Nigerian Army has commenced a week long activities marking 154 years of its existence on July 6, 2017 having been established in 1863.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -General Tukur Buratai, said that Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), 2017 will sustain the rich history, traditions and values of the Nigerian Army .
Buratai, who is currently abroad on official engagement, spoke through the Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General Christopher Jemitola.
According to Buratai, the NADCEL offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, inter-face with the public and set goals for the succeeding year.
He recalled that it was precisely on July 6, 1967 that the first shot was fired at Garkem in the present day Cross River State which commenced the unfortunate 30-month long Nigerian Civil War.
He said, “NADCEL celebration serves to constantly remind us of the supreme sacrifices paid by our gallant troops as well as to showcase the Nigerian Army’s contributions in keeping Nigeria united and indivisible country,” he stated.
It also aimed at projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development as well as highlighting the achievements, capabilities and positive image of the Nigerian Army.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would continued its robust participation in Peace Support operations and to consolidate on the gains of the previous years in the fight against insurgency and other domestic threats.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Nigerian army on Friday held a special Jumat Prayer at the Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja while an Interdenominational Church Service will be held at the All Saints Military Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja on Sunday July 2, 2017.
Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on Saturday also held an elaborate cleaning exercise of streets and gutters in Kubwa a satellite town near Abuja and Utako modern market Abuja between the 7am and 10 am.
Addressing the residents of Kubwa, Major General Jemitola said the Nigerian army will continue to partner with civilian and demonstrate that they the civil populace owned the army. He advice the public to report any crime to the Nigerian army by putting a call to 193.
Other activities includes Medical Outreach which are to be undertaken at designated places across Abuja and other part of the country.
The rest are a Photo/Arts Exhibition on Monday 3 July 2107 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Mambilla Barracks Junction, Off Maitama Avenue, Asokoro Abuja.
This years celebration will be rounded up with a Seminar on 6 July 2017 immediately followed by a presentation of the COAS Commendation Awards to deserving personnel who have distinguished themselves while carrying out assigned tasks. The venue is also the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
