As part of the activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), troops of the Nigerian Army under the 82 Division joined their counterparts nationwide in a special interdenominational Sunday service on June 29 at Saint Paul Military Church, Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
The service, which was well attended, featured prayers for the continued success of the Nigerian Army, divine guidance for the President and Commander-in-Chief, national leaders, protection for troops, and prosperity for the country.
Addressing the congregation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Force Commander of the Joint Task Force (South East) Operations UDOKA, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, delivered a goodwill message from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He also led a minute of silence in honour of fallen heroes.
In his remarks, Major General Olatoye urged officers and soldiers to embrace leadership by example, stating that leadership is the practical application and reflection of a leader’s character. He emphasized the importance of spiritual strength, encouraging troops to draw closer to God and maintain a firm spiritual foundation, especially in the face of evolving security challenges.
“Only divine intervention can guarantee victory for the Dragon family and the Nigerian Army at large,” he said, while also charging personnel to uphold the Army’s core values and let their conduct be guided by the COAS command philosophy: “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.”
The GOC concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and divine guidance for the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole.
Delivering the sermon, Reverend Colonel (Very Rev. Fr.) MG Udotong (rtd), Chaplain Roman Catholic, urged Christian faithful to promote peace and unity beyond ethnic and religious lines. He encouraged soldiers to uphold discipline, loyalty, and prayerfulness in the discharge of their duties.
Similarly, during the NADCEL Juma’at prayers held on Friday, June 27, the Chief Imam of 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel HSO Eneje, called on Muslim troops to remain obedient, committed, and loyal to constituted authority, and to cultivate the fear of God in all aspects of service.
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration is an annual event aimed at commemorating the service and sacrifices of soldiers, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria.