President Bola Tinubu decorated the newly-appointed Service Chiefs with their ranks at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, July 31, 2023.
He urged them to maintain teamwork to ensure peace and stability in the country. The Senate had previously confirmed their appointments.
The newly-inaugurated service chiefs are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
President Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for their dedication and contributions to the nation’s peace and stability. He assured the new Service Chiefs of government support in their responsibilities.
”We have seen that we are recording positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment, and steadfastness,” President Tinubu stated.
He emphasized virtues like positive team thinking, unity, and selfless service to the nation, expressing hope for a better future despite economic challenges. He encouraged the Armed Forces to view themselves as one family, united regardless of diversity.
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He urged all members of the Armed Forces to view themselves as one single family, regardless of their diversity. He also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing them peace, progress, and success in their endeavors to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
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President Tinubu emphasized the importance of honest service to the nation, which he said everyone in government including the service chiefs must embrace, adding that he is working very hard to solve the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
General Musa, speaking on behalf of the Service Chiefs, pledged their commitment to ensuring the nation’s security and defense with dedication. They vowed to protect the country’s territorial integrity and citizens.
”Our appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in us and recognition of our humble abilities to deliver for our dear nation. We pledge to carry out our duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty.
”I assure Mr. President that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is 100 percent loyal to the government. We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea, or land.
”We will ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light. May God bless Nigeria and guide the Armed Forces in our efforts to guard our nation’s territorial integrity, and ensure peace and security reigns supreme,” he said.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribabu, senior government officials, members of the immediate families of the Service Chiefs, and other heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country.