The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the country owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the troops on the frontlines for remaining vigilant and confronting diverse threats to our collective peace and security, while citizens enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.
General Oluyede said this in a special tribute to frontline troops on the occasion of the Christmas celebration on Wednesday.
He said, “I pay special tribute to our gallant frontline troops who, even during this sacred season, remain deployed across various theatres of operation in the defence of our nation.
“Your courage, discipline, professionalism, and selfless service often at great personal sacrifice epitomise the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. You remain vigilant, confronting diverse threats to our collective peace and security, while others enjoy Christmas with their loved ones. For this, the nation owes you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.”
In a statement personally signed by him, the CDS thanked citizens for their resilience, patriotism, and continued support of the military, despite the multifaceted security challenges confronting the nation.
He noted that Christmas is a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering us a solemn opportunity to reflect on our shared humanity, our collective responsibilities as a nation, as well as our unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and national progress.
The CDS said that Nigerians’ steadfast belief in the Nigerian project remains a vital source of strength and motivation for our troops, stressing that trust, cooperation, and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security in the country.
He assured that the military would continue to remain resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions.
General Oluyede reassured the personnel of the Armed Forces that their welfare remains a top priority and main focus under his leadership.
“We are firmly committed to improving the living and working conditions of our personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances, and sustained support for the families of our fallen heroes,” the CDS said.
He urged Nigerians to use this festive period to promote peace, tolerance, and unity across ethnic, religious, and cultural lines, noting that “our diversity remains our strength and our collective resolve is the foundation upon which a secure, stable, and prosperous Nigeria will be built.”
“As we celebrate this season of goodwill, I urge all members of the Armed Forces to reflect on the teachings of Christ, which express peace, love, forgiveness, selflessness, and purposeful service.”
The CDS charged members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, professional, and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We must also continue to uphold the values of honour, integrity and service to the nation,” he said
General Oluyede thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Armed Forces.
“To our sister security agencies, I call for sustained collaboration, synergy, and unity of effort in our collective quest to safeguard our dear nation,” the CDS said.