By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Nigerian Army, 7 Division , Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri , Brig. General Abubakar Haruna has on Monday distributed palliatives to widows of fallen heroes who paid their supreme price while in active service countering menace of Boko Haram in the North East.
General Haruna in his address during the symbolic distribution held at the 212 Battalion Parade Ground in Maimalari Cantonment said, the gesture was to commemorate the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024.
He noted that this aspect of the activities marking the NADCEL 2024 is to ensure the Army render the little it can to assuage plights of the widows in the face of the current economic challenges.
His words: “This occasion is a significant milestone in the annals of history of the Nigerian Army transformation from its birth to where it is today.
“The Nigerian Army as we are all aware has a long tradition of history dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy selected 18 indigenes from the Northern part of the country and organised them into a local force.
” Today, that 18 men force has transformed into one formidable combat, efficient and stable Army that has kept the nation one and secured and this year marks the 161 year of its existence.
“As we gather here today to key into the Nigerian Army overall Celebration drive for this year’s NADCEL, let me state that this year’s celebration will be hosted by 3 Division Nigerian Army with a theme ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment’. Gen. Haruna said.
To this end, he explained further that this clearly indicates the nexus between the theme and the Chief of Army Staff vision as the Nigerian Army has over the years grown from strength to strength, despite the myriads of security threats and challenges confronting the nation.
Continuing the GOC said, “We have kept the nation peaceful and stable by performing our constitutional responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our President, Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering support and leadership.
“Your guidance and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into the formidable force it is today. Let me recognize the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his tireless efforts and visionary leadership style.
“His commitment to modernizing and strengthening the Nigerian Army is evident in our achievements, and we are grateful for his unwavering dedication.
Today, we remember the courage and selflessness of our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation. We honor their memories and recommit ourselves to upholding the values they fought for.
“To the widows and families of our fallen heroes, we acknowledge your sacrifices and appreciate your resilience. We recognize the pain and hardship you have endured, and we assure you that your loved ones will never be forgotten.
“That is why, this aspect of the activities marking the NADCEL 2024 is to ensure we render the little we can to assuage your plight in the face of the current economic challenges,” Haruna said.
According to him. “The peculiar case within our own Area of Operation is the ongoing fight against Insurgency and this fight I must say big thank you to our officers and soldiers.
“I commend your bravery, loyalty, and dedication. Your commitment to ending insurgency and ensuring peace in our nation is unwavering, and your sacrifices will never go unnoticed. Your efforts have significantly degraded the capabilities of our enemies, and we will continue to strive for total victory.
“As we continue to fight for peace across the region, we want to reassure members of our various host communities and critical stakeholders of our continuous unwavering commitment to ending insurgency and ensuring peace in our nation. We recognize the trust you have placed in us, and we will continue to work tirelessly to justify that trust.
” Let us remember our fallen heroes, let us honor their memories, and let us continue to strive for a better future for our nation. As for the windows,we are always with you. You can contact any officer in case of any issue or complaint or need within the barracks”. General Haruna stated.
He therefore urge the widows to bear the irreparable loss and be firm, and also consider it a destiny as God is in control of everything.
