President Bola Tinubu has elevated his newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks, decorating them in the presence of their family at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
Among those decorated are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The colourful ceremony was conducted on Monday in Abuja, with the President charging them to sustain the spirit of teamwork to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The Senate had previously confirmed their appointments prior to the inauguration ceremony.
Tinubu used the brief ceremony to underscore the importance of teamwork, noting that it has culminated in the gains recorded in the security sector so far.
He lauded the dedication, commitment and steadfastness displayed by the Armed Forces, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s peace and stability.
His words, ”There are obvious gains being recorded, positive results in our security challenges because of your dedication, commitment and steadfastness”.
He assured the new Service Chiefs that the government is committed to supporting them in their responsibilities.
The President underscored the value of virtues such as positive team thinking, unity, and selfless service to the nation, declaring that despite the current economic challenges, a better future awaits Nigeria.
The President also urged all members of the Armed Forces to view themselves as one single family, regardless of their diversity.
He also emphasized the importance of honest service to the nation, which he said everyone in government, including the service chiefs must embrace, adding that he is working very hard to solve the current economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
”We are committed to serving you and not to rule over you, the President said.
Speaking on behalf of the Service Chiefs, General Musa expressed their unalloyed commitment to ensure the security and defence of the nation in their respective positions.
”Our appointment is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in us and recognition of our humble abilities to deliver for our dear nation. We pledge to carry out our duties with utmost dedication and full loyalty.
”I assure Mr. President that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is 100 per cent loyal to the government. We will go wherever we are ordered, whether by air, sea or land.
”We will ensure that Nigeria is projected in good light. May God bless Nigeria and guide the Armed Forces in our efforts to guard our nation’s territorial integrity, and ensure peace and security reigns supreme,” he said.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribabu, senior government officials, members of the immediate families of the Service Chiefs, and other heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country.