President Bola Tinubu yesterday reiterated the solid commitment of his administration to boosting the Nigerian Armed Forces’ welfare, professionalism, and overall operational capacity. The President delivered this assurance at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference held in Lagos.
Representing the President at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered glowing tributes to the serving and retired senior military officers present. He emphasized that the immense sacrifices, institutional memory, and leadership provided by these individuals have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into what it is today. Tinubu described the gathering, which included respected elder statesmen and former service chiefs, as a powerful demonstration of the enduring heritage, professionalism, and fighting spirit that defines the Armed Forces.
The President lauded the patriotism and unwavering courage of every officer and soldier who consistently places national duty above personal comfort. He noted that their sacrifices made in defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity would forever remain a sacred part of the nation’s history. He further observed that the yearly conference serves as a crucial forum for honest self-reflection, strategic evaluation, and continuous improvement in the Army’s administration, training, and operations, especially when facing evolving global, regional, and national security challenges.
Sharing the platform, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke passionately about the fundamental role security plays as a prerequisite for any meaningful development. He commended the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and ensuring the stability of democratic governance. Specifically, the Governor praised the Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for its tangible contributions to maintaining peace and stability within Lagos State, assuring the military of the state government’s continued and steadfast support.
“Nigeria’s military history is deeply interwoven with our national journey, from the early years of independence to the period of profound challenges and transition, to our present democratic dispensation. The Nigerian Army has remained a defining institution in the preservation of our territorial integrity and our national cohesion,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He stressed, “History has consistently shown that security is a fundamental prerequisite for national development, and the Nigerian Army remains one of the most critical instruments through which nations project stability, authority and confidence.”
Adding his voice to the conversation, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), characterized the conference as a vital strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness, and ensuring the Nigerian Army’s future direction aligns perfectly with the nation’s core security priorities. He commended the resilience and professionalism displayed by Army personnel and acknowledged the crucial contributions of past service chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired. General Musa emphasized the absolute necessity of joint operations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and embracing a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to effectively tackle Nigeria’s complex security matrix. He urged all senior commanders to ensure that the actionable outcomes agreed upon at the conference quickly translate into measurable results on the battlefield.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. He expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his sustained political will and strategic backing for the military, highlighting key support areas like personnel welfare, equipment modernization, specialized training, and institutional reforms. The COAS also acknowledged the invaluable legislative and budgetary assistance received from the National Assembly, which he confirmed has significantly bolstered the Army’s operational readiness across all theatres of engagement.
