By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended warm felicitations to officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration, urging them to renew their commitment to unity, discipline, and national service.
In a goodwill message marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, General Oluyede expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to witness the completion of the sacred fasting period. He described Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal.
The Defence Chief noted that Ramadan embodies values such as prayer, sacrifice, charity, and self-discipline, and urged military personnel to sustain these virtues beyond the holy month.
He emphasized the importance of fear of God, honesty, tolerance, compassion, and mutual support, stressing that such qualities are essential for strengthening unity within the Armed Forces and across the nation.
General Oluyede acknowledged the enormous responsibility borne by the military in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing the task as one that demands immense sacrifice.
He paid tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as personnel living with injuries sustained while defending the country, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“At this critical stage of our national development, the security and stability of Nigeria remain vital to sustaining our democratic institutions and enabling citizens to pursue their aspirations in peace and prosperity,” he said.
He therefore charged troops deployed across various theatres of operations to remain disciplined, resilient, and courageous in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Additionally, He called for enhanced joint operations, improved synergy across the services, and a sustained professional posture to address emerging security threats nationwide.
The CDS reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, noting ongoing efforts to improve administrative support, strengthen operational capacity, and provide an enabling environment for effective service delivery while maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Extending his message to the general public, General Oluyede urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces, stressing that national defence requires collective effort from government institutions, communities, and citizens.
He expressed optimism that with sustained cooperation and shared resolve, the country would continue to strengthen its security architecture and uphold democratic values.
The Defence Chief also conveyed appreciation to the President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support to the military, noting that the administration’s commitment to improving defence capabilities and personnel welfare has significantly enhanced the Armed Forces’ capacity to maintain national security and stability.
