President Bola Tinubu has decorated the newly-appointed Service Chiefs with their new ranks, charging them to maintain teamwork to ensure peace and stability in the country.
At the event held on Monday in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President attributed the gains recorded so far in the security sector to teamwork.
He commended the dedication, commitment and steadfastness displayed by the Armed Forces, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s peace and stability.
“We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment and steadfastness.”
He assured the new Service Chiefs that the government would continue to support them to execute their responsibilities.
The President underscored the value of virtues such as positive team thinking, unity and selfless service to the nation noting that, in spite of the current economic challenges, a better future awaits Nigeria.
He urged all members of the Armed Forces to view themselves as a single family regardless of their diversity.
He also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Armed Forces and wished them peace, progress and success in their endeavours to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of honest service to the nation and urged everyone in government, including the Service Chiefs, to embrace it.
He also pledged his administration’s determination to solve the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
“We are committed to serving you and not to rule over you,” President Tinubu said.
In response Gen. Musa, on behalf of the Service Chiefs, pledged their unalloyed commitment to ensure the security and defence of the nation in their respective positions.
He also pledged to uphold, with utmost dedication, the safety and well-being of the nation and its citizens.
“Our appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in us and recognition of our humble abilities to deliver for our dear nation.
“We pledge to carry out our duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty.
“I assure Mr President that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is 100 per cent loyal to the government.
“We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea or land; we will ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light.
“May God bless Nigeria and guide the Armed Forces in our efforts to guard our nation’s territorial integrity and ensure peace and security reign supreme,” Gen. Musa said.
The Senate had previously confirmed the appointment of the Service Chiefs before the ceremony.
The inaugurated Service Chiefs are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The event was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of Federation, Sen. George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and senior government officials.
Others at the event include members of the immediate families of the Service Chiefs and other heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country.