As part of activities commemorating the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army (NA) and the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), formations and units under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army embarked on simultaneous Public Speaking Engagements (PSEs) across secondary schools in five states—Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, and Imo—on 4 July 2025.
The initiative aimed to deepen civil-military relations, promote youth leadership, and foster national unity through education, dialogue, and values-based interaction.
In Enugu State, the 82 Division Garrison conducted its outreach at Annunciation Secondary School, Nkwo-Nike, where students were enlightened on the Army’s constitutional roles, career opportunities, and core values such as patriotism, discipline, and national service. Representing the Commander of the Garrison, Brigadier General SJ Dogo, Major Essien Joseph encouraged the students to seek credible knowledge and embrace their role as future leaders.
In Cross River State, the event held at Government Secondary School, Atekong, Calabar was led by the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Muftau Owodiran Ibrahim. He charged students to be responsible ambassadors of the nation and contribute meaningfully to national development through positive engagements.
In Abia State, the 14 Brigade of the NA hosted its engagement at Ngwa High School, Aba. Colonel Maxwell Maaji, who represented Brigade Commander Brigadier General Hassan Bello, reiterated the Army’s commitment to nurturing young leaders and fostering understanding between the military and civilians through cultural appreciation and interactive learning.
Similarly, in Imo State, the 34 Artillery Brigade held its session at Comprehensive Secondary School, Obinze. Major Joshua David, representing the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abbas, used the occasion to educate students on the Army’s responsibilities and the nobility of military service as a career.
In Anambra State, students of Washington Grammar School, Onitsha, were engaged by the 302 Artillery Regiment. Commander of the Regiment, Colonel Adamu Kabir Mohammed, spoke on the rewarding aspects of a military career and the honorable values upheld by the Nigerian Army.
The engagements featured a variety of activities including debates, quizzes, donation of educational materials, cultural displays, and souvenir presentations—making the event both educational and memorable for participants.
Speaking during one of the appreciation sessions, Miss Marcel Blossom, a student of Devine Christian College, Aba, thanked the Army for the initiative. She noted that the program positively reshaped student perspectives and instilled moral values that help tackle social issues such as bullying, drug abuse, and exam malpractice.
Teachers and school administrators across the states praised the initiative, affirming that it provided a much-needed platform for students to learn, engage, and aspire toward national service and responsible citizenship.