Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has hosted officers and soldiers serving in Army Headquarters Departments and Commands within Abuja to a Combined Inter-Faith Iftar as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen unity, discipline, and mutual understanding within the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the event, which was held on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, brought together Christian and Muslim personnel for a joint breaking of fast aimed at fostering cohesion across religious and cultural lines.
It explained that while speaking at the occasion, the COAS noted that the rare coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan fasting period carried deep spiritual significance and valuable lessons for personnel.
He explained that the convergence highlights the beauty of diversity as part of God’s design, emphasizing that although humanity exists in different races, cultures, and beliefs, it remains united under one divine purpose.
Gen Shaibu further stressed that Nigeria’s diversity in tribe and religion should serve as a source of strength rather than division. He urged officers and soldiers to embrace unity, dedication, and discipline, virtues reflected in both fasting traditions, and translate them into their professional duties.
The Army Chief also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while acknowledging the administration’s continued support to the Armed Forces.
He further charged personnel to remain resolute in defending Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring citizens can pursue their socio-economic activities without fear, while commending troops on the frontline for their sacrifices.
The statement added that in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, described the gathering as both historic and spiritually significant, noting that it reflects the unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose that define the Nigerian Army.
He emphasised that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent symbolises shared virtues upheld by both Christians and Muslims, including discipline, sacrifice, humility, compassion, and charity, and reinforces the Nigerian Army’s identity as a professional family where individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds stand united in service to the nation.
