The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in praying for the nation and its leaders, describing such prayers as both a civic responsibility and a religious obligation.
According to an official signed statement by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, for the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Matawalle made the call on Friday while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the Special Jumu’ah Prayer held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Speaking on the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the Minister said patriotism should be demonstrated through actions that strengthen national security and promote the safety and well-being of citizens.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the country’s leadership through prayers while working collectively to foster peace, unity and national development.
Delivering the sermon after the Jumu’ah prayer, the Director of the Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, stressed that ensuring security should not be seen as the exclusive responsibility of government.
He warned that communities that remain passive in the face of criminal activities only create opportunities for insecurity to flourish, urging citizens to actively collaborate with security agencies in tackling threats.
Brigadier General Musa cited Maiduguri as an example of successful community participation in security efforts, noting that the city became relatively safer after residents rejected criminality and worked closely with security forces, forcing insurgents out of the city centre into surrounding areas.
“The right approach is for government and the public to confront criminal elements together, rather than leave the burden to government alone,” he said.
The Special Jumu’ah Prayer attracted senior military officers and other dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), and other invited guests.
The prayer session marked the official commencement of activities lined up for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which is expected to feature a series of events highlighting the Nigerian Army’s contributions to national security and service to the nation.
