…DECLARES OPEN COAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 IN LAGOS
By Okosun Dennis
The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the strategic role of the Nigerian Army in the security architecture of the country, adding that they have consistently chosen “duty over comfort, service over ease, and have stood in harm’s way” so that Nigerians “may sleep in peace.”
Speaking while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 at the Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba-Surulere, Lagos, on Monday, 15th December, 2025, the President, who was represented by the Vice President, Alhaji Kassim Shettima noted that the conference has affirmed the NA for its professional excellence, training and administrative acumen.
In attendance at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd); the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt Gen Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye; the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Alexander Ogomudia, several past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Officers Commanding (GOCs); Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs) and Air Officer Commanding (AOC); President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association and its members; captains of Industry and business moguls and serving officers and soldiers.
The theme of the Annual Conference is: “Examining the Current landscape terrorism the lenses of Diplomatic and Military Actions: Strategy for long-term Prevention and Stabilization.”
According to President Tinubu, “Nigerian Army sacrifices will be remembered by history. Therefore, I reaffirm this administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the unyielding defence of our nation’s sovereignty.
He noted that the gathering — COAS Annual Conference 2025—underscores the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to professional excellence” as it “provides a vital platform for honest reflection, rigorous evaluation, and continuous improvement in training, administration, and operations, as we adapt to an increasingly complex global and security environment.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the Nigerian Army has always risen to the challenges; especially at a time like this that the country is battling with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other organised criminal gangs.
“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security” hence his administration is paying high premium to security and safeguarding the lives and properties. We are determine to restore the pride of place in Africa, he enthused.
On the acquisition of more equipment for the Armed force, the President reiterated his administration’s readiness to strengthen the NA through more acquisitions and refurbishment of equipment.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (retd) described the conference as a vital strategic forum for reviewing operational posture, assessing readiness and aligning the Nigerian Army’s future direction with national security priorities.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of Army personnel, while acknowledging the contributions of past Service Chiefs and senior officers, both serving and retired.
Gen Musa (retd) added that the Defence ministry would continue to place high premium on the fight against terrorism and defeat every enemy of the country.
He enjoined members of the Armed Forces to remain professional, discipline and show commitment to their duties to rout the evils of the society especially the terrorists gangs.
“You must remain professional and committed. To achieve peace, we must work together in synergy to achieve maximum result and must deploy collective approach to deal with security challenges. Army must not only be talker but talk and do,” Gen Musa (retd) reiterated.
On his part, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Army occupies a critical component in nation’s building, adding that all and sundry must support the military to deal with the nuisance value of the terrorists.
Particularly, he commended the 81 Division under the Command of Major General Farouk Mijinyawa for his robust collaboration and synergizing with other security agencies that have assisted in achieving enormous successes in Lagos state.
To Nigerians, he praised their courage and perseverance for believing in the Armed Forces. He implored them to take the security challenge as our challenge to win the war against terrorism.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, averred that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He stressed that the Army is deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.
The COAS urged the participants to be guided by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national peace and stability during their deliberations.
Lt Gen Shaibu appreciated the President for his sustained political will and strategic support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of personnel welfare, equipment modernization, training and institutional reforms.
In recognition of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a book titled: “A Life Of Service” was unveiled. The book documented the biography of the former COAS, late Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and his contribution to the development of the Nigerian Army.
In addition, families of fallen heroes were presented with various sums in cheques under the Nigerian Army Accident Insurance Scheme (NAPIS), a scheme that provides insurance cover for personnel that are wounded or died in the front. The scheme according to Major General Osifo, started about three years ago.
For their dedication to duty and in line with the NA welfare scheme, 15 Army Warrant Officers were presented Toyota Hilux van by the Vice President Kassim Shettima.
At the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, the Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, and President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, commissioned some equipment her association donated to the Accident and Emergency Ward of the hospital.
The COAS Annual Conference 2025 which began today, will be rounded off on Friday.
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