Officers of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in group photograph with students of Govt Science School Lokoja, during the NADCEL 2026 Public Speaking Engagement on Friday
The 12 Brigade Nigerian Army on Friday, reaffirmed commitment to ensuring safer schools nationwide ahead of its 163rd anniversary celebrations.
The army gave the assurance at a public speaking engagement on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt:- Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to mark the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, (NADCEL).
The engagement, held at Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja, themed: “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army”, was part of the nationwide activities marking the Nigerian army’s 163rd anniversary.
Representing the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian army, Brig,: -Gen Kasim Sidi, the Assistant Chief of Staff Training and Operations, Lt. Col. Solomon Obongha, said the event was in line with the COAS’ vision and to strengthen the bond between the military and civilians.
“Our presence here today is to bridge the gap between the barracks and society and to remind ourselves that security is a collective responsibility,” he said
Sidi noted that the army could only succeed with the backing of citizens, adding that the theme reflected the institution’s commitment to national protection and service delivery.
“We are here to foster patriotism, enlighten our youths, and inspire the present generation on the importance of national unity,” he said.
Sidi urged the students to pay attention to insights on the army’s core values, ethics, and career opportunities.
The commander then declared the Public Speaking Engagement open.
In separate presentations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Lt. Dauda Dibal and others, enlightened the students on career paths in the Nigerian army and encouraged them to consider military service as a profession.
The officers charged the students to embrace patriotism, honesty, integrity, and respect for national symbols and identity.
They also urged them to shun substance abuse, tribalism, cultism, and other social vices to guarantee a safe and secure nation.
The school Principal, Mr Ojapa Ajayi, thanked the army for selecting his school to host the NADCEL activity and for enlightening the students on career paths and the dangers of substance abuse and cultism.
Some students: Covenant Awi and Isiaka Mohammed, commended the army for the initiative, saying it had broadened their knowledge of career opportunities in and its mode of operations.
The students also appreciated the army’s efforts in keeping the country and schools safe.
They urged the military to do more to ensure that students could attend school without fear of abduction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the occasion was the presentation of souvenirs to the principal and stationery to students by Lt. Col . Obongha, on behalf of the commander and the COAS. (NAN)
