President Bola Tinubu says his government being a responsible government is conscious about the security situation in Nigeria and concern of Nigerians on the issue.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, said this during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and 160 Anniversary of Nigerian Army on Thursday in Ibadan.
He assured Nigeria of his government’s resolve to address all threats of national security challenges confronting the country within the shortest possible time.
“As a responsible government, we are conscious of security concern of the citizens.
“In such, I wish to reassure you of our resolve to defeat all threat to national security within the shortest possible time.
“My administration will continue to do everything possible within the constitution power to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens especially the unity of our country,” he said.
Tinubu also assured the Nigerian Army of better welfare, and properly address the issue of equipment and funding.
“Effort of the members of the Nigerian army and the entire army forces, I assured you of adequate transformation to your welfare, am aware of the issue of inadequate equipment and insufficient funding among other factors constraining your operational division.
“The federal government under my leadership, has set out mechanism that would comprehensively address all the shortfalls and challenges,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said Nigerian Army has made tremendous progress in areas of professionalism, and is living up to its Constitutional role
Lagbaja expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his constant support, inspiration and pledged his loyalty to the president and the federal republic of Nigeria.
“I’m glad to inform you that Nigerian Army has come a long way and is living up to its assigned constitutional role, we have continued to contribute to domestic and global security, through internal security as well as peace keeping operations.
“It is through our concerted efforts that the activities of the insurgence, terrorists, bandits and other form of criminality that threating the cooperate existence of this country have been greatly reduced.
“I hereby reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the president and Commander In Chief, and also pledged our unflinching support to democratic governance in Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Lagbaja said.
Present at the occasion are the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Mashal Hassan Abubakar.
Others dignitaries are representatives of Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, former Chiefs of Staff, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other traditional leaders.
Highlight of the occasion was show of ability and Professionalism of Nigeria Army, display of Combat vehicles, equipment, physical training among others.