The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced the lineup of events for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), during a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The Army, celebrating 162 years of existence, will mark this year’s NADCEL under the theme: “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive.” The COAS emphasized the Army’s longstanding history, tracing back to 1863 with the formation of the “Glover Hausas,” and highlighted its role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty through civil conflicts and modern-day terrorism.
Oluyede noted that the week-long celebration would feature civil-military cooperation projects, a golf tournament, medical outreaches, school engagement programmes, and a grand finale parade in Kaduna on July 6.
Other highlights include interfaith religious services, literary competitions, a public lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and a gala night for military personnel.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to transforming the force by prioritizing soldiers’ welfare and enhancing national security, while appreciating the media’s role in shaping public perception and supporting military operations.
The NADCEL commemoration, held annually since 1978, also honours fallen heroes and marks the firing of the first shot in the Nigerian Civil War at Garkem, Cross River State.