By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, urging unity, patriotism and renewed commitment to peace and national progress as the country marks Christmas 2025 and looks ahead to the New Year 2026.
In a goodwill message to mark the festive season, General Oluyede described Christmas as a period that embodies love, sacrifice, hope and renewal, noting that the celebration provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on their shared humanity, collective responsibilities and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national development. He said the season offers a moment to recommit to the ideals that bind the nation together despite prevailing challenges.
The Defence Chief expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience, patriotism and sustained support for the Armed Forces, particularly in the face of multifaceted security challenges confronting the country. According to him, the confidence and belief of citizens in the Nigerian project continue to serve as a vital source of strength and motivation to troops across the country. He emphasised that trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry remain indispensable to achieving sustainable peace and security, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional mandate to defend the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions.
General Oluyede paid special tribute to frontline troops deployed across various theatres of operation, noting that many personnel remain on duty during the sacred season, away from their families, in defence of the nation. He commended their courage, discipline, professionalism and selfless service, often rendered at great personal sacrifice, describing them as the embodiment of the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He stressed that while many Nigerians celebrate Christmas with loved ones, the troops remain vigilant in confronting diverse threats to national peace and security, a sacrifice for which, he said, the nation owes them an immeasurable debt of gratitude.
Reassuring officers and men of the Armed Forces, the CDS stated that personnel welfare remains a top priority of the military leadership. He explained that this commitment is anchored on the Military Strategic Philosophy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which focuses on consolidating military capabilities through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported by improved welfare initiatives and sound administration. According to him, this approach is designed to ensure that the Armed Forces maintain their core military fundamentals of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole-of-government framework. He pledged continued efforts to improve the living and working conditions of personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances and sustained support for the families of fallen heroes.
The Defence Chief also called on members of the Armed Forces to use the Christmas season to reflect on the teachings of Christ, which emphasise peace, love, forgiveness, selflessness and purposeful service. He urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while upholding the values of honour, integrity and service to the nation.
Addressing Nigerians at large, General Oluyede appealed for the promotion of peace, tolerance and unity across ethnic, religious and cultural lines during the festive period. He noted that Nigeria’s diversity remains a source of strength and that collective resolve is the foundation upon which a secure, stable and prosperous nation can be built.
He also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his unwavering support to the military. In addition, he called on sister security agencies to sustain collaboration, synergy and unity of effort in the shared responsibility of safeguarding the nation.
General Oluyede concluded by wishing all Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year, expressing optimism for a more secure and united Nigeria in 2026.
