The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday celebrated Eid-el-Kabir with officers and soldiers of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, in Sokoto, urging them to remain loyal, committed, and selfless in service to the nation.
Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, said loyalty and selflessness remained the bedrock of the military profession.
“Just as we stand united in our dedication to duty, we also stand together in the heat of battle.
“This synergy of faiths and shared commitment within our ranks is one of our greatest assets, proving that in the Nigerian Army, our diversity is not a point of division, but a source of strength and victory,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, the COAS described the celebration as a period to thank Almighty Allah for His continued guidance, protection, and mercy upon the nation and the Nigerian Army.
He said the festival symbolises sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to duty.
“In spite of the numerous challenges confronting our beloved country, Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and service.
“We must therefore appreciate our personnel who continue to display loyalty, courage, and resilience in the face of operational challenges,” he added.
Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, selfless service, and endurance in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The memories of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire and strengthen our resolve to ensure unity, peace, and security in the country,” he said.
The army boss assured troops that their welfare, as well as that of the families of fallen heroes, would remain a priority for the Nigerian Army.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to the Army, noting that his command philosophy focuses on transforming the force into a more professional and combat-ready institution.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bemgba Koughna, said the COAS’s presence at the Eid-el-Kabir celebration demonstrated his commitment to troops’ welfare, regardless of their deployment locations.
Koughna said the luncheon was organised to recognise gallantry, strengthen unity among troops, and consolidate operational gains recorded by the division.
He commended officers and soldiers for their dedication and urged them to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army and justify the confidence reposed in them by the COAS and Nigerians.
