President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed the commitment of his administration to building a well-equipped, virile and professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.

The president said that this would enable them to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024 ( NADCEL 2024) at the Maxwell Khobe cantonment of the 3 Division, Rukuba Jos on Saturday, the President represented by the Minister of Defence, said that it was in the fulfilment of these objectives that he approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty.

He said, “As your Commander-In-Chief, my administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation. We are committed to providing you with all that you need to enable you to fulfil your constitutional responsibilities.

“To this end, I have approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty. heighten your combat efficiency and dexterity, I also approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment and combat enablers for you to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.”

Tinubu said that over the years, the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development and continued existence of Nigeria.

“On the balance, however, the Nigerian Army remains one of the most patriotic and selfless elements of our nation. It embodies people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought and died so that the nation would live in peace.”

The President added, “Judging from the excellent parade and the display I have watched this morning; I am convinced that the Nigerian Army has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

“I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them. I see the eagerness and pride on the faces of the young men and women as they showed their commitment to defend the country.”

“We live in a complex and ever-changing world and our army must continue to evolve to meet the new challenges of the changing world. I am told, that you spent a part of the

Army Day Celebration holding lectures and brain storming sessions on the evolving compleX and uncertain security situations. It is good and proper that you did that so that you can be better prepared for the evolving challenges.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, in his address said that the army is committed to the defence of the territorial integrity of the country.

According to him, this is evidenced by the fact that members of the armed forces are currently engaged in peace keeping operational nationwide.

He said that one of the experiences gained on the ongoing operations nationwide “is the importance of a whole-of-society approach to our efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of the citizenry to support our actions.”

He added, “Consequently, we have spent the last few days of the celebration mentoring the Nigerian Youth through public speaking engagements. We also awarded prizes to winners of the maiden edition of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition organized for children in primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions across Nigeria. In line with this year’s NADCEL theme, we had lectures on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian Army’s objectives.”

He said that the army had chosen to celebrate Army Day in Jos Plateau State to showcase how much it can achieve when the government and the people cooperate and collaborate with the military.