Nigerian Army Marks 150 Years Of Existence With Free Medical Services, Troops Display, Others

Date Posted: 30/06/2013

The Nigerian Army day before yesterday kick started a week-long activity to mark the 2013 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Abuja, which also coincided with its 150 years in existence.

Addressing Journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, said the theme for the event tagged “Enhancing the Nigerian Army Capacity Building Efforts Towards Improved National Security”, will provide the opportunity for the Army to relate with the larger society by collaborating with it in the maintenance of law and order, as well as ensuring security of life and property.

Ihejirika, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major-General Bola Koleosho, noted that the celebration keys into Nigeria’s centenary celebration, hence the decision to hold the event in the nation’s capital instead of Bauchi State as was initially planned.

Koleosho gave an overview of activities lined up for the NADCEL to include, Juma’at prayers held at Mogadishu Cantonment on Friday, sanitation exercise by all formations today, (Saturday), and an interdenominational church service at the All Saints Anglican Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja on Sunday.

Others are free medical services to be offered to locals in Dukpa, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, by Army medical personnel, visit to orphanages and hospitals by Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) where welfare materials will be distributed and the highpoint of the ceremony will be physical training agility display/paratrooper jumps, war dog display and presentation of Chief Of Army Staff commendation awards to deserving officers and soldiers at the Eagles Square which will be witnessed by President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries.