By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Gwabin, has emphasized the importance of unity among Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations. He urged citizens to put aside their differences, work together, and cultivate love and understanding for one another. This unity, he believes, is crucial for ensuring Nigeria’s security, growth, and progress.
He made the call at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja Wednesday evening during the breaking of the fast with Christian faithfuls, as part of his people-focused leadership approach and in the spirit of Lent.
The CDS while expressing excitement that both religions are observing the fasting at the same time said “like I said the last time I was there, during the Muslim Iftar, it’s a great privilege for us to always get together.
“It is a sign that God is with us, and that it is important that we continue to remain together as human beings, as Nigerians.
“I think this is something that we should always look forward to. We should look for more occasions where we stay to see ourselves together.
“If you see all of us here by our faces, you will not know the difference. It is that unity that makes us different as members of the armed forces.
The CDS while thanking the organizers of the event, urged the troops to continue to work and pray, noting that despite the hard work, God’s divine intervention is still needed for things to work.
“I want to thank the organizers for organizing this, and we pray to God Almighty for his blessings now and always, and that all the enemies of the country, all the enemies of the armed forces, anyone who does not mean us well, we pray that God will continue to give us Success over them.
“I congratulate all of us and wish us the very best, and to the organizers i say well done.
The Chief of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Onumajuru in his vote of thanks said “I think is good we thank God for the opportunity to witness yet another lent for the fact that it is not everybody that took part in last year’s lent that is alive today to witness this lent. Some who are alive are not in good condition to take part in the fasting. So in the first instance, I think it’s a win win for all of us.
“We thank God for that grace to be able to be here again, and we pray that we continue to witness other lents.
While thanking the CDS, he disclosed that “I want to thank our CDS, not for this event, but for encouraging us to actively live by the faith, to actively live by what the Lenten season signifies, a period of repentance, a period of alms giving.
“Many people may not know that the CDS is truly a practicing Christian. I watch him closely, and I observe that the word of God and the teachings of the Holy Book never departs from him, and I pray that I will continue to abide with you.
“We want to thank you for that fatherly teachings and also for making us live by watching what you do, live by what the holy Book says.
While thanking other top ranking officers for been available for the event, he said “I also want to thank our PSOs for being here today, for finding time to rejoice with all of us, and like the CDS said, anything that brings all of us together in an unofficial setting like this is truly remarkable and welcome.
“I want to thank our chaplains, especially for the difficult jobs they do, for the very good jobs they do by praying for the armed forces, praying for the leadership of the country, praying for the leadership of the armed forces, praying for our troops in the front line, praying for the families they left behind. It’s such a huge job that we can’t thank you enough.
“I want to thank the chaplain for the prayers, for the morale boosting and for taking care of the widows of our fallen colleagues. I thank you. I want to thank every veteran that left whatever he’s doing to be here today, you could have as well gone home to break the fast with your family but you choose to heal with us in a communal setting.” He said.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of a bible souvenir to the CDS.
The occasion was marked by an interfaith gathering of military personnel, civilians, media personnel, and friends, all coming together to break their fast.
