The Nigerian Army has officially commenced its 162nd anniversary celebration with a special Juma’at prayers held simultaneously across all its formations and units.
At the Guards Brigade Jumu’at Mosque in Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, Muslim faithful, including top military officials, soldiers, and their families, gathered for the special prayer session.
This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025 is themed “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.”
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, was the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, who expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for the Army’s achievements over the past 162 years.
He also called on troops to remain loyal, disciplined, and committed in fulfilling their constitutional roles.
Earlier, Brigadier General Usman Musa, Director of Islamic Affairs, led a solemn prayer session for Nigeria, the Armed Forces, and particularly for Nigerian Army personnel serving in various operational theatres.
The prayer session was attended by Principal Staff Officers from the Defence and Service Headquarters, senior military officers, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Bilkisu Ibrahim, other NAOWA members, and soldiers’ families.
The Juma’at prayers mark the beginning of a series of events scheduled for NADCEL 2025, which will conclude with a grand finale at the Polo Ground in Kaduna State on July 6, 2025.