By Stephen Adeleye.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
The COAS gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, to commemorates the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, who spoke on behalf of the COAS, emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behavior among young people.
He said this year’s celebration was particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He emphasised the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
The commander reaffirmed the determination of COAS to continuing strengthening the Nigerian Army in its operational strategies through various engagements.
He reiterated Army’s commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, emphasising its role in contemporary security and defense management.
In their respective lectures, Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
They also enlightened the students on patriotism, imbibing the principles of honesty and integrity at all times.
They advised the students to avoid criminal company and criminality, cultism, as well as drug and substance abuse, and its attendant consequences.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme has broaden their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of educational materials to students, and souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.
