The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Army to translate discipline, dedication and spiritual lessons derived from religious observances into their national duties.
Shaibu made the call during a combined breaking of fast with Muslim and Christian personnel on Wednesday night in Abuja.
He noted that the coincidence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season offered a unique opportunity for reflection, unity and renewed commitment to service.
According to him, the coincidence of the Lenten and the Ramadan fasting seasons has a lot of significance and holds important lessons for us.
”Both sacred periods emphasise discipline, sacrifice, humility and devotion, which are values that should equally guide soldiers in the discharge of their responsibilities.
”One of those lessons is that God, in His wisdom, created humanity in diversity; different races, tribes and cultures, yet united with a common purpose.”
He added that the nation’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength, urging personnel to embrace unity and work together to advance national development and security.
He stressed that the dedication and discipline demonstrated in observing religious obligations should also reflect in the conduct of military duties.
“As soldiers of the Nigerian army, we must bring this renewed dedication into our jobs so that we can effectively confront and mitigate the various security challenges facing our nation,” he said.
The COAS commended troops deployed across various theatres of operations for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country, assuring them of the army leadership’s continued support and guidance.
He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, appreciating his continued support to the military.
”We will do all it takes to defend our democratic dispensation and ensure that citizens live without fear and can go about their lawful activities for socio-economic development to thrive,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, described the combined Iftar as a historic and symbolic gathering that reflected unity, mutual respect and shared purpose within the Nigerian army.
Abdullahi said the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent by Muslim and Christian personnel underscored the values of discipline, compassion, humility and spiritual renewal that aligned with the ethics of military service.
He noted that the Nigerian Army remained a symbol of national cohesion where individuals of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds worked together in service to the nation.
According to him, this gathering provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds of comradeship, deepen mutual understanding and renew commitment to peace, unity and national security.
