NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2025: LEADERSHIP IS A PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF A LEADER’S CHARACTER – Maj Gen.Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye.
NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION 2025: LEADERSHIP IS A PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF A LEADER’S CHARACTER – Maj Gen.Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye.
Lucky Akra
The 82 division operative of the Nigerian Army (NA) joined their counterparts across the nation in a special interdenominational Sunday service today Sunday 29th of June,2025 as part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
According to the report released by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations,Lieutenant Colonel,Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni,the well-attended service which featured prayers for the continued success of the NA over the enemies of the nation, divine guidance for the President and Commander-in-Chief, national leaders, divine protection for troops, and prosperity for Nigeria was held at Saint Paul Military Church, Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS),who was duly represented in his good will message, delivered by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Force Commander, Joint Task Force (South East) Operations UDOKA, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, called for a minute silence in honour of the fallen heroes. The GOC then charged officers and soldiers to embrace exemplary leadership at all levels. He emphasised that leadership is the practical reflection and application of a leader’s character and urged all commanders to lead by example.
Major General Olatoye further encouraged troops to draw closer to God and intensify their spiritual commitment, stressing that only divine intervention can secure victory for the Dragon family and the NA at large. He also reminded personnel to uphold the core values of the NA in their daily interactions, urging them to ensure their character and attitude are guided by the COAS command philosophy which is “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 both the NA leadership and the nation.
In his sermon, the Chaplain Roman Catholic, Reverend Col (Very Rev.Fr.) MG Udotong (rtd) urged Christian faithfuls to continue fostering peace and building trust, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations.
He called on officers and soldiers to uphold discipline for which the NA is known, remain loyal to their commanders, maintain a prayerful life, and stay spiritually focuseb them to cultivate the fear of Almighty God in the discharge of their duties.
