Yuletide: Kwara Governor, Security Chiefs Celebrate With Troops

Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday joined the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. W Shuaib, on a special luncheon with the troops of the Nigerian Army at Dabban Lema in the Edu local government area of the state.

In the entourage to dine with troops in the theatre of operation were security commanders in the state, commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, senior special assistant to the on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, chairman of Edu local government, Alh Abdullahi Bello and a representative of the Emir of Lafiagi, Alh Umar Bollogi II.

Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRazaq said the luncheon underlined the importance that the Nigerian state attaches to the well-being of the troops on the frontlines, who are engaged in various campaigns to maintain peace and eliminate all threats to national stability.

“Our presence this afternoon shows that the civilian authorities stand in full solidarity with our troops, and we do not take lightly the fact that you are here on behalf of every one of us. We are grateful,” he said.

AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, called on security forces to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and team spirit, saying success against terrorists, kidnappers, and other bad-faith actors lies in unity and effective coordination.

“Keeping our country safer, united, and more prosperous must be seen and treated as a shared responsibility by the government and especially the citizens.

“Offline and online activities or conduct that endanger the lives of the troops or trivialise their sacrifice should stop. This is the minimum standard that we must hold ourselves to,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.  W Shuaib, who represented the Commander, Signals Corps Maj. Gen. MT Abdullah saluted the troops for their courage, discipline, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, which is deeply appreciated.

“To all personnel serving in various theatres who will not be able to celebrate this yuletide season with their families due to the demands of duty, I salute your courage, discipline and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated.

“Your absence from home this season is a profound sacrifice for which the Nigerian people remain grateful. Be assured that under my leadership, concerted efforts would be made to foster professionalism and ensure combat readiness of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen.  CR Nnebeife appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for what he called a morale-boosting event, which he said is firmly rooted in his command philosophy of advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“This Luncheon, therefore, is not just a Yuletide celebration; it is a deliberate leadership gesture to recognise gallantry, reinforce cohesion, and consolidate operational gains made by our gallant troops,” he said.

“For troops of 2 Division as a whole, I must say that this honour is well deserved as you have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and resilience across the entire Theatre of Operations throughout the year.

“You have remained steadfast in dominating the battlespace and confronting banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality with determination and resolve. Your operational successes have significantly degraded criminal elements, reassured the civil populace and strengthened the Division Area of Responsibility,” he added.