society
CELEBRATING THE NIGERIAN ARMY @ 162: A SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE, RESILIENCE AND NATIONAL UNITY
CELEBRATING THE NIGERIAN ARMY @ 162: A SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE, RESILIENCE AND NATIONAL UNITY
By Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fspsp
Every July, the Nigerian Army marks another milestone in its remarkable history. This year, as we commemorate Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, we celebrate an institution that has stood as a pillar of national unity, courage and nationhood for 162 years. The Nigerian Army Day Celebration, first held in 1978, is observed annually to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army and marks the day the first shot was fired at Garkem Town, present-day Cross River State, signifying the commencement of Nigeria’s Civil War. This celebration also provides an opportunity to recognise and honour the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers.
From its humble beginnings in 1863 with the formation of the Glover Hausas, the Nigerian Army has evolved into a formidable and professional force, standing guard over our sovereignty, defending our territorial integrity and advancing our national interest across theatres of operation at home and abroad. This marks over a century and a half of selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beloved country. The Nigerian Army has consistently risen to meet the challenges faced by successive generations. From its early involvement in the two World Wars, Nigerian soldiers have demonstrated courage and resilience.
Before the Nigerian Civil War, the Army not only safeguarded national unity but also extended its commitment to peace and stability beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian troops played a vital role in the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Congo in the early 1960s, one of the earliest and most complex missions of its kind. Since then, Nigeria has actively participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions across the globe, becoming the fourth-largest troop-contributing nation to the United Nations at its peak. In addition to its UN commitments, the Nigerian Army has undertaken peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions under the auspices of the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thus bringing peace and democratic governance in some West African States, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting regional and continental peace and stability.
Therefore, to understand the essence of this celebration is to appreciate the weight of sacrifices that the gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army have borne over time. Their journey has not been paved with comfort. It is a legacy carved in hardship, blood, sweat, discipline and valour for over a century. Through civil war, peace enforcement missions, counterinsurgency operations and support to civil authority, the Army has remained steadfast, often operating under difficult and austere conditions, yet never relenting in its devotion and duty to the nation.
At a time when Nigeria faces a multitude of complex and asymmetric security threats, the Nigerian Army has continued to rise to the challenge. It is currently engaged in several internal security operations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, along with other services and security agencies. In the Northeast, Operation HADIN KAI has continued to make significant progress against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, restoring peace and security in areas once controlled by insurgents. In the Northwest and North Central regions, Operations HADARIN DAJI, WHIRL PUNCH and WHIRL STROKE have consistently taken the battle to bandits, kidnappers and criminal gangs, dismantling camps, rescuing abductees, and restoring confidence in affected communities. In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE has protected critical oil infrastructure and curtailed illegal oil bunkering and piracy, thereby safeguarding the nation’s economic lifeline. In the Southeast and Southwest, Operation UDOKA, Exercises GOLDEN DAWN and STILL WATERS have continued to check rising threats of violent separatism, armed robbery and cultism, in collaboration with sister security agencies. Furthermore, the Nigerian Army remain steadfast in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy.
Beyond its core duty of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Army plays an important role in aid to civil authority and national development. From disaster response—such as the recent support to flood-affected communities in Maiduguri—to nation-building initiatives, the Army remains actively engaged in improving the lives of Nigerians. Through its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, it has constructed and rehabilitated roads, classrooms, health clinics and water projects across the country. The Army also provides educational materials to schools, conducts medical outreach programmes, and supports literacy and vocational development for youth and women in rural and conflict-affected areas. These initiatives serve not only to win hearts and minds but to demonstrate the Army’s deep commitment to national development, progress and human security.
These successes are not coincidental. They are the result of deliberate reforms, strategic foresight, and tenacious commitment by the leadership of the Nigerian Army, currently under the command of the seasoned Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, mni NAM. Commendably, the theme of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,” was carefully selected as it espouses the Army’s renewed drive to transform the Army by placing the soldiers first.
As an instrument of national unity, integration and development, the Nigerian Army has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities. Despite enormous constraints, ranging from budgetary limitations, overstretch, evolving threats and public misunderstanding, the Nigerian Army continues to wax stronger, reforming itself through enhanced training, operational innovation and welfare-driven leadership. It is transforming into a modern, agile and joint-capable force, one that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations in a volatile and dynamic security environment.
At the heart of this transformation is the Nigerian soldier, the courageous men and women who don the Army uniform, driven not by personal gain but by duty, loyalty, honour and patriotism. They leave behind the warmth of family and the promise of comfort to serve in harsh terrain and hostile conditions. Their reward is not always recognition, but they serve anyway. The Nigerian soldier represents the best of us: resilient, selfless and loyal to the very end. It is this silent dignity and unmatched devotion that make the Army not only a fighting force but a moral compass for national unity and integrity, thus worthy of celebrating.
As the Army celebrate its day this year, I congratulate them and urge all personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain resilient, disciplined and more committed than ever before. Nigerians respect and look up to the military as a symbol of national pride and must continue to live up to that honour. For the few bad eggs within the system, this is the time to buckle up, retrace your steps, or ship out; there is no room for mediocrity, disloyalty, or unprofessional conduct in the Army. To those aspiring to join this noble profession, understand that being a soldier is not a tea party; it is a sacred calling that demands toughness, integrity, courage and sacrifice.
Yet, even as we celebrate these gallant achievements, we must confront the reality of misinformation, public cynicism and unwarranted criticism that often clouds public perception of the military. Too often, the actions and intentions of the Nigerian Army are misunderstood, politicised, or misrepresented, even by those who owe their safety and liberty to its sacrifices. This is not only unfair, it is dangerous. When a nation maligns its protectors, it weakens its foundation. The Nigerian Army is not perfect, no institution is, but it is consistently loyal, committed and dependable. It deserves more than suspicion and cynicism. It deserves our support, trust and appreciation.
The government, on its part, must continue to equip, fund and enhance the welfare of the Army. Our political leadership must avoid creating unnecessary conflicts or internal friction that complicate national security. Instead, they must embrace dialogue, diplomacy and strategic communication as tools for conflict prevention and resolution, thereby reducing the burden on military engagement and allowing the Army to focus on core security missions.
To the Nigerian people, I make this earnest appeal: respect, support and celebrate your Army. This institution belongs to us all. When we collectively or individually honour it, we are affirming our commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability and peace. Criticism, when necessary, should be constructive, not toxic. Let us uplift the morale of our troops through public solidarity and patriotic engagement. Let us tell our children and grandchildren not only the stories of Nigeria’s challenges but also the stories of courage, resilience, sacrifices and triumph represented by the Nigerian soldier.
The Nigerian Army remains the most reliable pillar in our national architecture. It has preserved our sovereignty, upheld our democracy and provided stability when institutions wavered. It is not just the pride of Nigeria; it is a model of endurance, discipline and sacrifice. As it celebrates 162 years of existence, it deserves more than fleeting praise. It deserves lasting gratitude from us all. The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to showcase its achievements and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security and the defence of national values. It is for this reason that several activities have been lined up for this year’s celebration.
These include the traditional Juma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services, symbolising the humble acknowledgement of the Nigerian Army motto, “Victory is from God Alone”. On Friday, July 4, 2025, there will be the commissioning of numerous civil-military cooperation projects in different locations within Kaduna State, a golf tournament, a free medical outreach programme, and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA)’s charity outreach programmes. On the same day, public speaking engagements and visits to selected secondary schools in all Nigerian Army formations will take place.
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, there will be a lecture at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, to deliberate on topical issues, followed by the award ceremony for the 2nd COAS Annual Literary Competition. In the evening of the same day, a Gala Night with officers and soldiers will be held at Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna. The event will be rounded off with the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Grand Finale on July 6, 2025, featuring a military parade, equipment display and the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award to deserving personnel. One other key highlight of that day is also a Research, Development, and Innovation Exhibition, which will be held at Murtala Square to showcase the Nigerian Army’s remarkable strides in science, technology, and innovation, underscoring its transformation into a modern, adaptive, and forward-looking force.
To the gallant officers, men and women of the Nigerian Army, I salute you. You are our shield, our pride, and the living proof that service to the nation is noble and the highest form of patriotism. May your sacrifices never be in vain, and may the nation you defend stand eternally proud of your noble calling.
Happy NADCEL 2025 @ 162! Long live the Nigerian Army! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
The writer is a former Director of Army Public Relations and Spokesman for the Nigerian Army, a security and strategic communication expert. He can be reached on his social media handles @skusman.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE OF CHINEDU NSOFOR (CEO, WORK WHILE IN SCHOOL GROUP)
Chinedu Nsofor is a dynamic and seasoned technocrat, a visionary social worker, an International Development Expert, and an accomplished programmes development and management expert with over 15 years of diverse professional experience. He is a trailblazer in youth empowerment, job creation, and social innovation, renowned for his creative problem-solving skills and unmatched ability to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities.
With a strong academic foundation—holding a B.Sc. in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an M.Sc. in Social Work (Industrial Social Welfare) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso—he combines intellectual depth with practical expertise. His distinguished career reflects his unwavering commitment to tackling unemployment in Nigeria, a mission he has pursued through pioneering initiatives such as the Work While in School Programmes, the IMOFINTEC project for 5,000 youths, and several other impactful programmes across tertiary institutions, government bodies, and international organizations.
Recognized as a versatile project management expert, innovative business development strategist, creative writer, professional biographer, media consultant, and Wikipedian, Nsofor’s influence extends across social, economic, and academic spheres. His professional track record includes leadership roles in reputable organizations such as the Nigeria Association of Economists, Global Coalition for Sustainable Environment, Iwuanyanwu Foundation, the Imo State Government Committee on Science and Technology Roadmap (2020–2030), and Asia Pacific Sports International, where he has served as Nigeria’s Programmes Director.
Heiss is also currently the Country Director (Nigeria), RapidHeal International, a health intervention firm with its global headquarters in Malaysia. Beyond his rich portfolio, he is celebrated for his divine wisdom, inspirational leadership, and Midas touch in wealth and job creation, having directly empowered over 50,000 youths across Nigeria with life-transforming skills. Passionate, resourceful, and impact-driven, Chinedu Nsofor stands out as a nation-builder whose contributions continue to shape lives and institutions to the glory of God.
Customs at the Crossroads: When Lawmakers Look Away and the Executive Looks Aside
By Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi
In a democracy, legislative oversight is the scalpel that cuts through deceit, inefficiency, and corruption in public institutions. It is the people’s last institutional shield against abuse of power. But what happens when that shield becomes a shelter for the very rot it is meant to expose? And what happens when the Executive arm, whose duty is to supervise its agencies, pretends not to see?
The unfolding drama between the National Assembly and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals more than a policy dispute. It exposes a dangerous triangle of confusion, complicity, and economic sabotage. At stake is not only the rule of law but the survival of an economy already gasping under inflation, a weak naira, and suffocating costs of living.
The House Talks Tough
In June 2025, Nigerians saw a glimpse of legislative courage when the House of Representatives Committee thundered at Customs:
> “Nigerian Customs Service, by June 30, must not collect CISS again. You are to collect only your 4% FOB assigned by the President. Even the 7% cost of collection you currently take is illegal—it was an executive fiat of the military, not democratic law. Any attempt to continue these illegal collections will be challenged in court. The ‘I’s have it.”
The voice was firm, the ruling decisive. Nigerians expected a turning point.
But the righteous thunder of the House was quickly muffled by the Senate’s softer tone, which suggested not the enforcement of the law but a readiness to bend it.
Senate: Oversight or Escape Route?
At a Senate Customs Committee session, Senator Ade Fadahunsi admitted openly that Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023. Yet rather than demand an end to illegality, he extended a lifeline to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi:
> “If we come back to the same source… the two houses will sit together and see to your amendment so you will not be walking on a tight rope.”
But should Adeniyi be handed a loose rope while Nigeria’s economy hangs by a thread?
Instead of accountability, the Senate Customs Committee floated adjustments that would make life easier for Customs. The nation was given hints about fraudulent insurance and freight data, but instead of sanctions, what we saw was a search for escape routes. This is not oversight—it is overlook.
Smuggling and Excuses
The Senate Committee also lamented cross-border smuggling—Nigerian goods like cement flooding Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana at cheaper prices than in Nigeria. Senator Fadahunsi blamed the Central Bank’s 2% value deposit for encouraging the practice.
But where are the Senate’s enforcement actions—compliance checks, stiffer sanctions, cross-border coordination? None. The result is predictable: smugglers prosper, reserves bleed, and ordinary Nigerians pay more for less.
A Bloated Customs Budget
The Service’s 2024 capital allocation ballooned to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦706 billion. Instead of channeling these resources into modern trade systems, Customs is expanding empires of frivolity—such as proposing a new university despite already having training facilities in Gwagwalada and Ikeja that could easily be upgraded.
Oversight is not an afterthought; it is the legislature’s constitutional duty. To see waste and illegality and yet propose amendments that would legalise them is to turn oversight into overlook.
Customs has about 16,000 staff, yet many remain poorly trained. Rather than prioritise capacity building, the Service is busy building staff estates in odd locations. How does Modakeke—an inland town with no border post—end up with massive Customs housing projects, while strategic border towns like Badagry, Idiroko, and Saki remain neglected? Is Bashir Adeniyi Comptroller-General of Customs—or Minister of Housing?
The 4% FOB Levy: A Policy Blunder
The central controversy is the Federal Government’s plan to replace existing port charges with a new 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy on imports.
Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. This levy will instantly hike the costs of cars, spare parts, machinery, and raw materials—crippling industries and punishing consumers.
Already, the consequences are biting:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla now costs between ₦6–9 million.
Clearing agents who once paid ₦215,000 for license renewal must now cough out ₦4 million.
New freight forwarder licenses have jumped from ₦600,000 to ₦10 million.
Customs claims the revenue is needed for its modernisation programme, anchored on a software platform called B’Odogwu. But stakeholders describe this so-called “Odogwu” as epileptic—if not comatose. Why commit trillions to a ghost programme that will be obsolete by January 2026, when the Nigerian Revenue Service is set to take over Customs collections?
Industry Raises the Alarm
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the levy will worsen inflation, disrupt supply chains, and hurt productivity.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, calls the levy “economically dangerous.” His reasoning is straightforward:
The 4% FOB levy is much higher than the 1% CISS it replaces.
Peer countries like Ghana maintain just 1%.
The new levy will fuel inflation, raise the landed costs of goods, and destabilise the naira.
He also revealed that the Customs Modernisation Act, which introduced the levy, was passed without Senate scrutiny or meaningful stakeholder consultation. He estimates that the levy could add ₦3–4 trillion annually to freight costs—burdens that will be transferred directly to consumers.
Who Is Behind the “Odogwu” Masquerade?
The haste to enforce this levy, despite its looming redundancy, raises disturbing questions. Who benefits from the “Odogwu” project draining trillions? Why the rush, when NRS will take over collections in a few months?
This masquerade must be unmasked.
The Price Nigerians Pay
For ordinary Nigerians, this policy translates into one thing: higher prices. Cars, manufactured goods, and spare parts are spiraling beyond reach. A nation struggling with inflation, unemployment, and a weak currency cannot afford such reckless experiments.
So, while the Senate looks away, the Executive cannot look aside.
The Executive Cannot Escape Blame.
It is easy to focus on the failings of the legislature. But we must not forget: the Customs Service is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
If Customs is breaking the law, wasting resources, or implementing anti-people policies, the buck stops at the Executive’s table. The Minister of Finance is Chairman of the Customs Board. To fold his hands while the Service operates in illegality is to abdicate responsibility.
History gives us a model. In 1999, the Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, was specifically assigned to supervise Customs and report directly to the President. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on broader fiscal and economic policies. That division of responsibility improved accountability. Today, the absence of such an arrangement is feeding impunity.
President Tinubu and his Finance Minister must act decisively. Oversight without executive will is a dead letter.
A Call to Accountability
The truth is stark:
Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023 to the Senate’s own confession.
The 4% FOB levy will deepen inflation and worsen economic hardship.
The Ministry of Finance bears ultimate responsibility for Customs’ conduct.
Until importing and consuming, Nigerians demand accountability—of the Comptroller-General, the Senate, and above all, the Finance Ministry—this bleeding will continue.
Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a Customs Service that serves the nation, not a privileged few. They deserve a House that enforces its resolutions, not one that grandstands. They deserve a Senate that upholds the law, not one that bends it. And above all, they deserve an Executive that does not look aside while illegality thrives under its ministry.
Only public pressure can end this indulgence. If Nigerians keep silent, we will keep paying the price—in higher costs, weaker currency, and a sabotaged economy.
Citizens’ Charge: Silence is Not an Option
Fellow Nigerians, the Customs crisis is not a drama for the pages of newspapers—it is a burden on our pockets, our businesses, and our children’s future. Every illegal levy is a tax on the poor. Every abandoned oversight is an open invitation to corruption. Every silence from the Executive is an approval of impunity.
We cannot afford to fold our arms. Democracy gives us the power of voice, the duty of vigilance, and the right to demand accountability. Let us demand that:
The Senate and House of Representatives stop playing good cop, bad cop, and enforce the law without compromise.
The Ministry of Finance takes full responsibility for the Customs Service, supervising it in the interest of Nigerians, not vested interests.
The President intervenes now, before the Service crosses the dangerous line of turning illegality into policy.
History will not forgive a people who suffered in silence when their economy was bled by recklessness. Silence is complicity. The time to speak, to write, to petition, to protest, and to demand is now.
Customs must serve Nigeria—not sabotage it.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:[email protected]
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Apostle Johnson Suleman: Firebrand of Faith, Prophet to the Nations, Voice to a Generation
By Femi Oyewale
In the beginning, there was just one man with a burning vision. Today, that man has become a global force whose voice thunders across continents, whose prayers ignite miracles, and whose mission is transforming destinies worldwide. He is Apostle Johnson Suleman, the fiery Restoration Apostle, the humanitarian preacher, and the global trailblazer reshaping the Christian faith for a new generation.
From Auchi to the World
Born in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, Apostle Suleman’s rise from humble beginnings to international prominence is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a divine calling has now evolved into a global mandate, reaching millions through Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM).
His story is the classic tale of vision meeting conviction—of a man who dared to believe God not just for himself, but for nations. From a modest congregation, OFM has spread like wildfire, with branches in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
The Man & The Mission
To know Suleman is to understand passion—passion for God, for people, and transformation. He lives by one mantra: populate Heaven, depopulate Hell.
His pulpit is a battlefield, his voice a trumpet, his words a sword. Through his fiery sermons, prophetic declarations, and healing crusades, countless men and women testify of divine encounters—cancers healed, destinies restored, impossibilities overturned.
But beyond the pulpit lies the heart of a humanitarian. Suleman’s mission has always extended beyond preaching. He funds scholarships for the underprivileged, empowers widows with homes, sets up businesses for struggling families, and supports countless orphans. In times of crisis, he has sent relief materials across regions, proving that true ministry is not only heard—it is seen.
The Impact
Step into one of his crusades, and the atmosphere tells its own story. Stadiums overflow. Multitudes gather, hungry for hope. From London to Houston, Dubai to Johannesburg, crowds testify to healings, deliverance, and restoration.
Through Celebration TV and other digital platforms, Suleman’s voice penetrates homes, villages, and cities, giving access to millions who may never step into a physical church. His boldness in confronting social ills and speaking truth to power has also established him as a fearless voice beyond the church walls.
The Global Moves
Apostle Suleman is not just a Nigerian voice—he is a global phenomenon. His recent international crusades draw audiences in their tens of thousands, breaking barriers of race, culture, and language.
From prophesying to presidents to laying hands on ordinary citizens, his message is universal: God still speaks, God still heals, God still restores.
Each global tour solidifies his place as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 21st century. He is as comfortable commanding a crowd in Chicago as he is in Accra, as bold in Paris as he is in Abuja.
The Legacy in Motion
Apostle Johnson Suleman is more than a preacher—he is a movement. A man consumed by vision, driven by compassion, and equipped with an anointing that refuses to be confined by borders.
From Auchi to America, from pulpits to palaces, from widows to world leaders, his impact is undeniable. And as the Restoration Apostle continues to blaze trails across nations, one thing is certain: his legacy is still unfolding, and his global moves have only just begun.
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