The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended heartfelt goodwill to officers, soldiers, and their families within the 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) as they celebrate Christmas and prepare to welcome the New Year 2025.
Represented by the Commander of the Armored Corps, Major General MS Ahmed, the COAS delivered this message during the annual COAS Christmas Luncheon held on December 25, 2024, at the headquarters of OPSH. The event brought together officers and personnel to mark the festive season and reflect on their service to the nation.
In his speech, Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed gratitude to God for His grace throughout the year and called on troops to uphold the virtues of discipline, loyalty, and patriotism. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers, especially those deployed in various operations who could not celebrate the season with their loved ones due to the demands of duty.
“It gives me great pleasure to felicitate with all officers, soldiers, and their families as we celebrate the Yuletide season and usher in a New Year. The annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is a time for us to rededicate ourselves to the virtues of love, sacrifice, and unity,” the COAS remarked.
He further emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that the efforts of troops are deeply appreciated by Nigerians and international allies. He urged personnel to remain apolitical and subordinated to civil authority while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Lieutenant General Oluyede paid tribute to fallen heroes, including the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and assured troops that the welfare of personnel and their families would remain a top priority under his leadership.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AE Abubakar, also addressed the gathering, extending warm Christmas greetings to troops and their families. He highlighted the importance of love, sacrifice, and unity, which are the core values of the festive season and resonate with the life of a soldier.
“Christmas is a time to reflect on service and commitment to a cause greater than ourselves. Our work as soldiers embodies the very spirit of Christmas—selfless sacrifice and unwavering hope,” Major General Abubakar stated.
He commended the troops’ resilience and sacrifices, particularly those stationed far from their families during the festive season. He also acknowledged the critical role played by their families, whose prayers and encouragement sustain the soldiers in their duties.
The GOC highlighted the successes of recent operations, including Operation GOLDEN PEACE, which neutralized notorious criminals and apprehended suspects involved in recent attacks. He urged troops to remain vigilant and professional as they continue their duties in the Joint Operations Area.
The event featured the symbolic serving of troops by the special guest of honor, the GOC, and other dignitaries, cutting of Christmas cake with troops, music and traditional dance performance , presentation of souvenirs and group photograph. The occasion underscored the bond between the leadership and personnel of the Nigerian Army as they celebrated the season with hope and unity, with attendance from heads of security agencies, serving and retired senior military officers, government functionaries, captains of industries amongst other notable dignitaries.
The COAS and GOC both extended their best wishes to all officers, troops, and their families for a joyful Christmas celebration and a peaceful and prosperous New Year ahead.
