Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has joined the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for a special Christmas luncheon with troops stationed at the frontline in Dabban Lema, Edu Local Government Area.
The event, held in the heart of the theatre of operations, was designed to boost the morale of personnel who remained on duty during the yuletide season to ensure national security.
The governor was represented at the luncheon by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi.
In his address, AbdulRazaq emphasized that the presence of high-ranking civilian and military leaders at the frontlines sends a powerful message of solidarity to the soldiers.
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He noted that the Nigerian state places a premium on the wellbeing of its troops.“Our presence this afternoon shows that the civilian authorities stand in full solidarity with our troops,” the governor remarked.
“We do not take lightly the fact that you are here on behalf of everyone of us. We are grateful.”
The governor also made a strong plea for citizens to support the military, specifically calling for an end to social media activities that undermine the sacrifices of the armed forces.
He described respecting the troops as the “irreducible minimum standard” for every Nigerian.
Representing the COAS, the Commander of the Signals Corps, Major General Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, saluted the courage and discipline of the personnel.
He acknowledged the personal cost of their service, particularly for those unable to celebrate the holidays with their families.
“Your absence from home this season is a profound sacrifice for which the Nigerian people remain grateful,” the COAS stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering professionalism and ensuring the combat readiness of the Nigerian Army under his leadership.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, lauded the luncheon as a leadership gesture that reinforces cohesion.
He highlighted the operational successes of the 2 Division, noting that their efforts have significantly degraded criminal elements—including bandits and kidnappers—across their area of responsibility.
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Several notable dignitaries were in attendance at the event, including Mariam Imam, Commissioner for Social Development; Muyideen Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters; Abdullahi Bello, Chairman of Edu Local Government; and representatives of the Emir of Lafiagi.
The luncheon concluded with the governor’s call for strengthened interagency collaboration, asserting that the fight against terrorism and kidnapping can only be won through a “shared responsibility” between the government, security forces, and the citizenry.
