The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has felicitated with Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the occasion of Christmas, calling for unity, peaceful coexistence, and a renewed commitment to national progress.
In a Christmas message issued on Wednesday, Oluyede said personnel welfare remains a priority for the Armed Forces leadership.
He said efforts are ongoing to improve living and working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and allowances of personnel, as well as support for families of deceased personnel.
He said, “Let me reassure our personnel that their welfare remains a top priority and main focus of the leadership of the Armed Forces.
“To consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported by improved welfare efforts and sound administration aimed at ensuring the Armed Forces maintain its core military fundamentals of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole of government approach.
“We are firmly committed to improving the living and working conditions of our personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances and sustained support for the families of our fallen heroes.”
The CDS paid tribute to frontline troops deployed across various theatres of operation, commending their courage, discipline and professionalism during the festive season.
He said the nation owes them gratitude for their sacrifices in defence of Nigeria.
The CDS appreciated Nigerians for what he described as their resilience, patriotism and support to the Armed Forces despite the security challenges confronting the country.
Oluyede added that cooperation between the military and the public remains critical to achieving sustainable peace and security.
“To the good people of Nigeria, I express my profound appreciation for your resilience, patriotism and continued support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In spite of the multifaceted security challenges confronting our nation, your steadfast belief in the Nigerian project remains a vital source of strength and motivation to our troops.
“The trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security. I therefore assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to remain resolute in our constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions,” he said.
Speaking on the essence of Christmas, the defence chief said the season represents love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, and offers an opportunity for reflection on shared humanity and collective responsibilities as a nation.
He said, “As we celebrate this season of goodwill, I urge all members of the Armed Forces to reflect on the teachings of Christ which express peace, love, forgiveness, selflessness and purposeful service. All are to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We must also continue to uphold the values of honour, integrity and service to the nation.
“I call on all Nigerians to use this festive period to promote peace, tolerance and unity across ethnic, religious and cultural lines. Our diversity remains our strength and our collective resolve is the foundation upon which a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria will be built.”
He urged military personnel to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the constitution, while upholding values of honour, integrity and service.
The CDS called on Nigerians to promote peace, tolerance and unity across all divides, noting that diversity remains a national strength.
Oluyede also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces and called for continued collaboration among security agencies.
The message comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the country, where military personnel are deployed in various operations.
