The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday convened a rare Inter-Faith Iftar in Abuja, bringing together officers and soldiers across formations to reinforce unity, discipline and shared values within the Nigerian Army.
The symbolic gathering, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, assembled Christian and Muslim personnel serving in Army Headquarters Departments and Commands within the Federal Capital Territory for a joint breaking of fast.
The event came at a unique moment in the religious calendar as the Christian Lenten season coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a convergence the Army leadership described as spiritually profound and instructive for national cohesion.
Addressing the officers and soldiers, Shaibu said the overlap of both fasting seasons offers a powerful reminder that despite differences in faith, ethnicity and culture, humanity remains bound by a common divine purpose.
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity, often perceived as a fault line, should instead serve as a strategic strength capable of deepening unity within the armed forces and the nation at large.
According to the Army Chief, the discipline, sacrifice, patience and compassion embedded in both fasting traditions mirror the professional values required of soldiers tasked with defending the country’s sovereignty.
Shaibu therefore urged personnel to translate the moral lessons of Lent and Ramadan into their daily military responsibilities, calling for renewed dedication to duty, professionalism and respect for one another regardless of religious affiliation.
The COAS also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while acknowledging the administration’s continued support toward strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
He further charged troops to remain steadfast in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring citizens across the country can pursue their socio-economic activities without fear or intimidation.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General I. M. Abdullahi, described the inter-faith gathering as historic, noting that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent symbolises shared virtues of humility, sacrifice, charity and compassion.
Abdullahi added that the Nigerian Army remains a professional family united by duty and patriotism, where officers and soldiers from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds stand together in unwavering service to the nation.