…CDS eulogies gallant officers and men for keeping Nigeria intact
President Bola Tinubu on Monday led the heads of three arms of government and service chiefs in laying wreaths at the National Arcade Eagle Square Abuja in remembrance of military fallen heroes who paid ultimate sacrifice to keep the country intact.
The occasion was the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration 2024 observed annually on January 15 to commemorate also the end of Nigeria’s civil war in 1970. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated worldwide among the commonwealth countries on November 11, each year in commemoration of the end of the Second World War and it is not a speech-making ceremony but a solemn event.
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa had in a statement before the event on Monday commended the immeasurable contributions of Nigerian gallant officers and men both serving and retired for the defence and protection of Nigeria nation.
He also urged them to continue to remain vigilant and uncompromising in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities adding that they must remain resolute in defeating all forms of security threats so as to ensure enduring peace and security in every area of our dear nation.
General Musa who stated this in a massage on the occasion of Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration 2024 noted that their “selfless dedication to service in protecting our nation’s freedom and security have resulted in the relative peace which we enjoy today.”
“It is a great pleasure felicitating with officers and men of the Armed Forces in event conducted annually to commemorate the unwaveringly commitment and heroism demonstrated by our nation’s servicemen and women in various military operations,” the CDS said.
“Additionally, this day holds great significance as it provides us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, bravery and commitment of our fallen heroes in defending the territorial integrity of our country. We remember and pay our collective tribute to them for their sacrifices not just today, but every day as they gave ‘their today’ for ‘our tomorrow’, he added.
The CDS assured military personnel of his ” unremitting support as they continue to uphold our values of respect for the rule of law, professionalism, loyalty to constituted authority, discipline, selfless service and courage.”
“For those who have suffered one form of injury or the other, we appreciate you and we will continue to pray for your quick recovery. Similarly, for those who have passed on, we thank you for your great sacrifices. Always remember that all your efforts and steadfast devotion in defence of our democracy and national unity in line with our constitutional roles will never be in vain,” he charged as the nation reflected on the gains achieved so far.
On his part, the CDS said he will continue to prioritize personnel welfare while steering the affairs of the armed forces in line with my leadership philosophy which is “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment”.
He also paid profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his numerous and timely support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and assured him of personnel unalloyed loyalty and commitment in defending our nation’s democratic values whilst ensuring peace and cohesion in the country.
Similarly, General Musa expressed appreciation to personnel esteemed families, particularly our spouses, for their inestimable roles in keeping the home front whenever duty beckons on, noting that their “untold sacrifices as a result of our prolonged absence have been impactful and productive.”