The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, has unveiled activities lined up for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), while reaffirming the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty, unity, and security.

Speaking during a press briefing held on July 2, 2025, at the Army Headquarters Conference Room in Abuja, General Oluyede stated that this year marks the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, tracing its origins to 1863 with the formation of the “Glover Hausas” by Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy.

He noted that NADCEL, first celebrated in 1978, commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Army and the historic first shot of the Nigerian Civil War at Garkem Town, present-day Cross River State. The celebration also honours the sacrifices of officers and soldiers, both past and present.

Reflecting on the Army’s evolution, General Oluyede highlighted the institution's role in major global conflicts, internal security operations, and peacekeeping efforts across Africa, stating that the Army remains resolute in countering terrorism and other threats within Nigeria.

This year’s celebration, themed *“Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”*, underscores the Army’s renewed focus on prioritizing soldiers’ welfare as part of broader transformation efforts. He emphasized recent advancements in innovation, research, civil-military relations, and technology aimed at enhancing operational capabilities.

Outlined activities for NADCEL 2025 include:

- Commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects in Kaduna State

- Golf tournament, free medical outreach, and charity programs by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association

- Public speaking engagements in secondary schools nationwide

- A lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and the COAS Annual Literary Competition award ceremony on July 5

- A Gala Night at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre

- The Grand Finale on July 6, featuring a military parade, equipment display, and presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards

General Oluyede commended the media for its support, stressing the importance of the partnership in enhancing Army operations. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to professionalism, national unity, and protecting Nigeria’s democratic values.

“Thank you, and God bless,” he concluded.