NADCEL: Maj. Gen. Aligbe Calls for Enhanced Commitment to National Service
.. as NAOWA Reach Out to Less Privileged
Minna (Core Reporters) The Commander Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, has charged officers, soldiers, and their families to rededicate themselves to National Service and continue to show resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.
Maj Gen Aligbe made the call during the Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and 162nd Anniversary held in St LUKE’S Military Chapel (Protestant) Minna Military Cantonment, Niger State on Sunday June 29, 2025.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army TRADOC NA, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said Gen. Aligbe commended the spouses of the personnel for their efforts in raising their children and keeping the home front while their husbands embarked on national duty to defend the nation.
“We must, therefore, renew our commitment to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity, and uphold the rights of all citizens,” he said.
Maj Gen Aligbe reassured the personnel and their families of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to their welfare and well-being, in line with the theme of the 2025 NADCEL, which is, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army Transformation Drive”.
According to him, the theme highlights our responsibility to national unity, integration, and development, as well underscores their commitment to aligning with the overall policy dynamics underpinning contemporary security and defense management in the country and beyond.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of TRADOC NA. I sincerely appreciate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), for the leadership and strategic policy guidance to the Nigerian Army (NA).
In his welcome remark, the Acting Director Director TRADOC NA Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) , Major (Rev) Peter Bandele thanked the Commander TRADOC NA and Commander 31 Artillery Brigade for their unwavering support made to the Church and the entire Military Cantonment.
He prayed for unity, discipline and successes in all operations theater Nigerian and beyond.
Earlier on Friday 27 June, 2025, the Commander TRADOC, was represented by the Director Army Training Support Centre (DATSC), Maj Gen Auwalu Mamuda, at the Special Jummat Prayer held at the Central Mosque Minna Military Cantonment to kick start the 2025 NADCEL activities.
During the event, worshippers from and around Minna Military Cantonment were in attendance. Additionally, special sermon and prayer were conducted for the Nigerian Army and Nigeria as a whole and was led by the Chief Imam of 31 Artillery Brigade, Captain Monsuru Olabode.
In another development, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), TRADOC Minna Chapter, Mrs Iyabode Victoria Aligbe, distributed palliatives to many vulnerable civilians and corps members in some communities in Minna, as part of activities to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
In her remarks, Mrs Aligbe said that NADCEL was instituted to Honour the Nigerian army’s history and heritage, recognise the sacrifices and contribution of soldiers to promoting national unity and patriotism as well as to showcase the army’s capabilities and achievements.
She urged all Nigerians to continue to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable military, where all personal can thrive and reach their full potential.
According to the Coordinator NAOWA TRADOC Minna Chapter, the Nigerian Army has continued to play a vital role in maintaining national security, stability and participating in international peacekeeping missions.
“The Nigerian Army has also supported the democratic governance, maintained peace and security, and contributed to regional and international peacekeeping efforts.
“Today we gather to celebrate the strength, resilience, and bravery of our troops who served, and are still serving in our armed forces.
“We honor their dedication, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. We recognise the trailblazers who have paved the way for women in the military, and we celebrate the achievements of those who continue to serve with distinction,” she said.
