By Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Army has announced plans for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), commemorating 162 years of service to the nation and honoring the heroic contributions of past and present officers and soldiers.
This was disclosed during a press conference addressed on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi.
Highlighting the Army’s rich history, Chibuisi noted that the Nigerian Army has weathered multiple national and global challenges, from participation in the World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War to ongoing counterterrorism operations and internal security engagements.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Developing the Soldier”, underscoring the Army’s renewed focus on innovation, research, technology, and improved civil-military relations to better equip its personnel.
“The Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first observed in 1978, commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Army and marks the day the first shot was fired in the town of Gakem, present-day Cross River State, signifying the start of the Nigerian Civil War,” Chibuisi explained.
“This year, we are celebrating 162 years of unwavering commitment to duty, patriotism, loyalty, and the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He outlined a series of events planned across different dates:
July 4: Commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Kaduna State, a golf tournament, free medical outreach, and a charity program organized by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association.
July 5: A special lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy focusing on national political issues, followed by the award ceremony for the 2nd edition of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Literary Competition. That evening, a gala night will be held at the Omarrosaya Conference Center, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.
July 6 (Main Day): The celebration will culminate with a grand military parade, an equipment exhibition, and the presentation of commendation awards by the Chief of Army Staff to outstanding personnel.
Other activities lined up include traditional prayers and interdenominational services to seek divine guidance and give thanks for the Army’s enduring legacy.
The 2025 NADCEL is set to reflect the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation and its unwavering commitment to national unity, peace, and development.
