Drop the Guns, Pick Up Values — Army Chief Charges Nigerian Youth

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Saturday warned young Nigerians to steer clear of social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of criminal behavior.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged young Nigerians to steer clear of social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of criminality, encouraging them instead to embrace positive values and responsible citizenship.

The COAS delivered this message during a public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, as part of the activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Representing the COAS at the event, Commander of the 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi—through the Brigade Education Officer, Major Azi Izang—highlighted the importance of nurturing integrity, patriotism, and national consciousness among the youth.

He described the 2025 celebration as particularly significant, emphasizing the Nigerian Army’s continued resilience and dedication to national security amid internal challenges. He also expressed deep gratitude to God for the victories and progress achieved by the Army over the past year.

General Sidi reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to building a well-motivated, combat-ready force in line with the COAS’ command philosophy, which aims to consolidate the transformation of the Army into a formidable institution.

The public engagement was designed to educate students on patriotic values, the ethics and standards of the Nigerian Army, recruitment criteria, and the dangers of drug abuse and cultism. He encouraged the students to be honest, responsible citizens and contributors to national development.

In appreciation of the community’s hospitality, the Commander thanked the people of Odo-Ape and urged students to apply the knowledge gained for personal growth, communal advancement, and national progress.

Interactive sessions were also conducted by Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, who provided students with valuable insights into career opportunities within the Nigerian Army and the qualifications required to enlist.

In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr. Alfred Obayelu, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff and the 12 Brigade for selecting their school as a venue for the celebration.

“I believe the selection of Odo-Ape community school is a strong message to criminal elements in this area to relocate. We are truly grateful to the Nigerian Army for this gesture,” he stated.

Student representatives, Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, described the programme as eye-opening, saying it broadened their understanding of the Army’s career options and the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.

The 2025 NADCEL celebration commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army and features a week-long series of events, including special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, and civic engagements across the country.