The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has warned Nigerian youths to shun cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
Oluyede gave the warning on Saturday at a public speaking event held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The event was part of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, the COAS urged young people to embrace discipline and positive values.
In his speech, delivered by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, Sidi expressed gratitude for the Army’s progress in recent years.
Sidi reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to national resilience and the advancement of security efforts across the country.
He highlighted the COAS’ vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a motivated, combat-ready force capable of handling diverse challenges.
The commander urged students to be patriotic, embrace honesty, and avoid all forms of criminal activity.
He encouraged them to apply knowledge and skills towards personal growth, community development, and national progress.
Sidi also stressed the COAS’ commitment to strengthening operational strategies through continuous engagements and reforms.
He reiterated the Army’s dedication to national security, the rule of law, and supporting Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Lieutenants Gbemisola Ojowa and Hassan Abdullah held interactive sessions, explaining Nigerian Army career paths and entry requirements.
They advised students to avoid bad company, cultism, drug use, and other behaviours with destructive consequences.
Mr Alfred Obayelu, the school principal, thanked the COAS and 12 Brigade for choosing their school for the 2025 NADCEL event.
He said the Army’s presence serves as a warning to criminal elements in the community to desist or relocate.
Students’ representatives, Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme improved their knowledge of Army careers and dangers of drug abuse and cultism.
The event featured the distribution of educational materials to students and presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries.
The week-long celebration marks the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army with prayers, church services, and public speaking sessions
