Army Day Celebrations: Tinubu Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Armed Forces Welfare

President Bola Tinubu has assured the entire armed forces of his administration unfettered commitment to their welfare and to address the shortfall in funding and equipment hindering the operational efficiency of the armed forces

He gave the assurance on Thursday during the grand-finalle of the Nigeria Army Day Celebrations held at the Major General J.M Inienger sports complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo , Ibadan

President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that the administration is aware of issues of inadequate equipment and insufficient funding among other factors constraining the operational efficiency of the armed forces.

He disclosed that the federal government under his leadership has instituted a pace mechanism that will comprehensively address the shortfall in consistent with established national security objectives.

He said the Nigerian Army has remain one of the strongest pillars of hope for Nigerian citizenry, noting that despite it’s involvement in governance of the country in the past, it has since 1999 subordinated itself to civilian rule and remain a highly professional force with high standing both regionally and internationally.

“Nigerian Army has continued to discharge it’s constitutional role with commendable success, it is to the credit of the army that despite the numerous Internal security engements, it continues to execute regional and international peace support task effectively and efficiently.

“I am also happy to note ,the reinvigorated drive towards jointness within the military especially the enhanced interagency cooperation that has been fostered while combating insecurity across the nation. It is on record that the joint efforts of the Nigerian Army, other services and security agencies is responsible for degrading the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect. This commendable act has also been replicated in the ongoing efforts to decimate bandits, secessionist and other criminal elements trying to disrupt the peace and stability of the nation.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of several gallant officers and soldiers who have lost their lives and those who sustained various degrees of injuries including cases of permanent disabilities
imploring personel of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute as their services will not be in vain.

He further urged that the Nigerian Army to always be guided by international best practices especially extant humanitarian laws and rules of engagement while conducting operations.

He said his administration appreciates recent efforts of stakeholders such as individuals, community members, traditional rulers and numerous civil society organizations especially the youth that have helped exposed the activities of all agents of instability and detractors of the nation.

“As a responsible government, we are conscious of the security concerns of the citizenry, and such I wish to re-assure you of our resolve to defeat all threats to nation security within the shortest possible time.

He reiterated that his administration will do everything within it’s constitutional powers to ensure the safety of law abiding citizens as well as the unity of our country.

While commending the Chief of Army Staff , Major General Taoreed Lagbaja for his proactive posture in putting up the the event despite just resuming office he promised to support all laudable initiative put in place in the pursuits of national defense and security of the nation.

Earlier in his address, the Chief of Army Staff Major General Taoreed Lagbaja pledged the Nigerian army’s unflinching support for democratic governance in Nigeria.