As part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, the 401 Special Forces Brigade (401 SF Bde) organized a Public Speaking Engagement (PSE) lecture for secondary schools within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The annual event took place at Tilley Gyado College, Makurdi, featuring series of lectures, a brief documentary on the Nigerian Army’s commitments and achievements since inception.
The PSE also witnessed the distribution of writing materials, and an interactive session with students from Golden College, Tilley Gyado College, and Ogiri Oko Memorial Secondary School, Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, NAM, represented by the Commander 401 SF Bde, Brig Gen Al-Amin Rabiu, emphasized that NACEL is an annual event and it commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Army, which is now 161 years old.
He further stressed the need for the students to be patriotic, Law abiding and good ambassadors of the country, pointing out the dangers inherent in social vices such as cultism and substance abuses. Gen Rabiu highlighted the Army's involvement in low-intensity conflicts, and military operations other than war, as well as its role in disaster management and civil-military operations (CIMIC), which benefits host communities and showcase the military's presence.
Gen Rabiu commended the COAS, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, NAM, for initiating this PSE aimed at sensitizing and familiarizing the students with ideals of society and the Nigerian Army.
He underscored the importance of such initiatives in promoting understanding and cooperation between the Army and the youth.
Dr. Emmanuel Zakaa, the principal of Tilley Gyado College, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for these humanitarian services and for creating a platform for interaction between the students and the Nigerian Army.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, a vote of thanks, and a group photograph, marking a successful and engaging celebration of Nigerian Army Day 2024.