By Okosun Dennis
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu on Sunday said that insecurity will not deter the Nigerian Army from ensuring that peaceful co-existence reigns in the country.
He led family members, officers and NAOWA members to mark Nigerian Army Day celebration (NADCEL) 2021 at an Interdenominational Service held at the St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Nigeria, Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
Maj. Gen. Fejokwu, during the thanksgiving, expressed his gratitude to God for sustaining the country despite all odds. He commended the efforts of the gallant Nigerian Army as he was accompanied by his wife and Chairperson, 81 Division NAOWA, Mrs. Oghenerukevwe Fejokwu.
Brig Gen Lander Saraso and their families danced gracefully in the presence of the Lord in the interdenominational service.
The GOC who read the goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Farok Yahaya, said, “It is my singular honour and privilege to celebrate this Army Day which marks 158th anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
“It is coming when the peace of the country is been threatened by insecurity but the Nigerian Army will not be deterred. This celebration showcases the Nigerian Army and is to honour fallen heroes.”
He, therefore, call on the congregation to observe a minute silence in memory of the departed former COAS, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and others who passed on in the ill-fated crash earlier in the year, ‘their sacrifices cannot be forgotten, he affirmed.
He admonished colleagues to embrace information sharing, collaboration among other security agencies as prerequisites for winning the war against Boko Haram, banditry, and other security issues.
“The Nigerian Army will leave no stone unturned. I urge you all to keep the momentum of the operation.
I appreciate and pledge unalloyed support for President Muhammadu Buhari. I wish us all happy NADCEL celebration 2021′, he concluded.
In the same vein, Maj. Gen. Fejokwu warned officers and family in Division 81 to desist from causing troubles in the barracks as anybody who fights in any of the barracks will be shipped out of the barracks before we even find out what led to the fight.
“Any soldier who gets involved in illegality like getting involved in land matters, and others will be dismissed the same day he is caught. I am begging you. That’s why I come down here to establish it.
“Behave well. You don’t need to know me. You don’t need to come and beg me. Please be a soldier. Things are improving in the army welfare, be content with what you are being given. Be well dressed in and out. Wear your uniforms properly. Don’t turn your barracks to the poultry or farm. Adhere to simple instructions.
“I congratulate you all. May we celebrate more NADCEL. I commit you into the hands of the Lord. May you continue to prosper in all your genuine endeavors’, Gen Fejokwu reemphasized.
In his sermon during the service, the guest preacher, Ven. Dr. (Col) NZ Davou prayed for the Army that God will neither leave them not forsake them just as He kept Joshua and He did for Moses. He prayed: ‘The Lord will be with the nation. That the Lord will be with officers in their duty posts and everyone on the frontline in the Northeast, South-south, and everywhere.’
The Christian Women Fellowship and Catholic Women Organization added pep to the celebration as they did a dramatic music ministration in the service.
Also not left out was a Media Advocacy Group, “Prayers and Support for the Armed Forces” led by the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Qasim Akinreti also joined the interdenominational church service.
They prayed for the Army and asked all Nigerians to pray and confess right for the Army and country rather than curse the nation.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/nadcel-2021-insecurity-will-not-deter-nigerian-army-as-gen-fejokwu-leads-officers-families-in-interdenominational-service/
About The Author
