PRESS BRIEFING ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2017 BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN TY BURATAI AT ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM ABUJA ON FRIDAY 30JUNE 2017
Protocol
1.I am most delighted to welcome you, distinguished members of the Fourth Estate of the Realmto this press briefing which is the first major event in the series of activities lined up to mark this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2017. In line with our resolve to carry every Nigerians along in our activities, I am here to brief you on the activities scheduled for the week-long event to commemorate this year’s NADCEL.
2.It is important to recall that the Nigerian Army Day Celebration is an important annual event in the calendar of the Nigerian Army due to its significance. It offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, inter-face with the public and set goals for the succeeding year. It was also on this date precisely on 6 July 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. The 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. The celebration is 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. The Nigerian Army will be marking 154 years of its existence, dating back to its inception in 1863.
3.The Nigerian Army has in the last one year consolidated on the gains of the fight against insurgency and other domestic threats in line with the directive of Mr President while also contributing immensely to the democratic ideals of the present Administration by projecting its image through robust participation in Peace Support and Internal Security Operations. Therefore, this year’s celebration has been organized in order to sustain the rich history, traditions and values of the Nigerian Army. Consequently, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Sustaining the Successes of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary and Emerging Security Challenges” which is in line with my Vision of having a professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.
4.This theme was deliberately chosen to reflect on the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency in the North East and other forms of criminalities across the nation. The liberation of all parts of the country hitherto claimed by the Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual collapse of the oncedreaded Sambisa forest are clear testimonies to this fact.
5.As earlier stated, this media briefing signals the commencement of this year’s event.Later this afternoon, the NADCEL 2017 Jumu’ah Prayer will hold at the Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. Likewise, there will be an Interdenominational Church Service at the All Saints Military Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja on 2 July 2017 to also mark the occasion.
6.Other activities lined up for the week long celebration include Sanitation Exercise and Medical Outreach to be undertaken at designated places across Abuja and other parts of the country by all Nigerian Army Formations and units between1-5 July 2017. Furthermore, there will be aPhoto/Arts Exhibitionon Monday 3 July 2107 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Mambilla Barracks Junction, Off Maitama Avenue, Asokoro Abuja. This year’s 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.
7.Gentlemen of the press, the Nigerian Army is continuously making progress towards ensuring the development of this great nation. We solicit the cooperation and goodwill of all well meaning Nigerians to ensure peace, security and safety of lives and properties. I want to use this medium to solicit with us all to be our brothers’ keeper while also desisting from negative narrations that are capable of disturbing the peace. We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will continue to work hard towards ensuring peace therefore let us all go about our businesses without fear. The Nigerian Army also identifies with the media as formidable partners in these national and patriotic endeavours.
8.On this note, let me express my sincere gratitude to the media for their wonderful support to the Nigerian Army at all times. I urge you to give NADCEL 2017 wide coverage and publicity. I also use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to show interest and love to their own Army. Finally, I thank you for your continued support in our efforts in the pursuit of peace, security and progress of our dear nation.
9.Thank you for your attention.
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