By Cross Udo, with agency report
The new Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Maj-Gen TA Lagbaja, and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM HB Abubakar, yesterday marked the Eid-el-Kabir celebration with troops in Maiduguri.
Addressing them during a Sallah lunch at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Lagbaja said the visit was symbolic, being his first engagement outside Abuja since he assumed office as COAS.
“My dear officers and soldiers, I count it a thing of joy to be here with you this afternoon to felicitate with you on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid-el- Kabir feast of sacrifice.
“Eid-el-Kabir celebration teaches us about sacrifice and faith in the Almighty and I believe there is no better place to celebrate it than here in the northeast where our gallant troops have continued to give their all to restore peace to our dear country,” Lagbaja said.
He lauded the courage and dedication of the troops deployed in the ongoing operations within and outside the country and promised to provide the needed leadership that is result oriented.
While reiterating his commitment to the numerous achievements of his predecessors, the new chief assured troops of improved welfare.
“For me, I consider my appointment as COAS as a call to greater sacrifice towards engendering change and making a difference to our system.
“To this end, I captured my Command Philosophy to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force toward achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
“I equally use this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me to lead the NA at this point.
“I reaffirm the unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to Nigeria’s Constitution and the government of the day,” Lagbaja said.
The Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen IS Ali congratulated the service chiefs for their new appointment and show of concern to troops in North East.
“This Joint Sallah Luncheon avails the Special Guest of Honour and the Service Chiefs the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir with troops of Operation HADIN KAI, especially the Muslim faithful.
“The gesture is also to appreciate the enormous efforts and immense sacrifices by troops in restoring peace and normalcy to the entire North East area.
“We are indeed most thankful for the concern for the welfare of the troops deployed for operation Hadin Kai as visits such as this, spur the troops to strive for more successes,” Ali said.
He expressed joy over the maiden visit to the theatre which he said came with benefits in terms of heightened troops morale, equipment support, and provision of strategic guidance for operational activities.
The commander noted that the troop’s performance had forced terrorists to keep surrendering in drove, as 99,936 terrorists and their families so far surrendered.
Ali reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain the tempo until everything was over.
*Tinubu prays at Dodan Barracks, urges Nigerians to sacrifice for progress
President Bola Tinubu yesterday told Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability, and prosperity.
Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks ground, Lagos, the President stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.
He said that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear.
The President in a statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, was quoted as saying, “I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity and we have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.
“But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.
“No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace and stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops on the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.
The Eid prayer, which started at 9am was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah.
The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of the ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.
“We must pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.”
The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.
