By Bavoriat Clara
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The assurance was given at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, held in Lagos. President Tinubu was represented at the event by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the President paid glowing tribute to serving and retired senior military officers, describing their sacrifices, leadership and institutional memory as foundational to the growth and strength of the Nigerian Army. He noted that the presence of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs at the conference underscored the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
President Tinubu commended officers and soldiers for their courage and patriotism, stressing that their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would remain permanently etched in the nation’s history. He described the Annual Conference as a vital platform for reflection, strategic assessment and continuous improvement in the Army’s training, administration and operations, especially in the face of evolving global, regional and national security challenges.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), OFR, described the conference as a critical strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Nigerian Army’s future direction with national security priorities. He praised the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel and acknowledged the contributions of past Service Chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired.
The Defence Minister emphasized the need for joint operations, inter-agency collaboration and a whole-of-society approach in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges. He urged senior commanders to ensure that the resolutions of the conference translate into concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernization, training and institutional reforms. He also acknowledged the legislative and budgetary support of the National Assembly, which he said has significantly enhanced the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality. He added that the Army is undergoing deliberate transformation into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats, urging participants to be guided by patriotism and professionalism in their deliberations.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described security as a fundamental prerequisite for development and commended the Nigerian Army for its role in preserving national unity and safeguarding democratic governance. He particularly lauded Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for its contributions to peace and stability in Lagos State, assuring continued support from the state government.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Chiefs of Army Staff, senior military officers serving and retired, heads of security agencies, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
The Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative and strategic issues aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
admin