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By DADA Ayokhai
Sobe — The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare and inter-agency cooperation during an Eid-el-Fitr luncheon with soldiers of the Forward Operations Base in Owan West, Edo State.
A statement by Captain Kennedy Anyianwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 4 Brigade Benin, said the COAS reaffirmed commitment to troop welfare and inter-agency cooperation, urging soldiers to remain steadfast in defending peace, unity, and national sovereignty.
Represented by Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commander of 4 Brigade Benin, Oluyede praised troops for their resilience and sacrifice in difficult conditions. He urged them to remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity, and prayed for their safety in ongoing operations.
He also appreciated the sister services and other security and intelligence agencies whose collaboration, professionalism, and dedication continue to strengthen collective efforts. “The synergy among our services remains vital to sustaining operational success and national stability. Together, through cooperation and shared commitment, we will continue to confront challenges and preserve the peace and unity of our nation,” he added.
Furthermore, he conveyed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, steadfast leadership, and continued commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness, and institutional development of the Armed Forces. He noted that the President’s strategic guidance remains a strong source of motivation as the military continues to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, stated that the COAS Luncheon is a significant and symbolic annual event held during festive periods such as Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas celebrations.
He explained that the initiative is a strategic leadership engagement designed to boost the morale of frontline soldiers, recognise their sacrifices, honour fallen heroes, and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie within the military.
He also appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting his area of operational responsibility to celebrate the Sallah luncheon with the troops. He equally appreciated the Chairperson Owan West LGA Madam Joy Ohonyon who was represented by the Vice Chairman Mr Dele Aleburu as well as the HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, Odibiado of Sobe for gracing the event. He further thanked heads of other security agencies in Sobe for honouring the invitation.
Highlights of the event included a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops
