The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Saturday cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices, including cultism, drug abuse, and other vices.
He gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, spoke on behalf of the COAS.
He emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behaviour among young people.
The COAS said the 2025 celebration is particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He stressed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
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He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme broadened their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.