Celebrating Courage, Heritage, And Intellect: A Memorable Participation In NADCEL 2025
By Brig, Gen. Sani Usman Kukasheka (rtd)
I was deeply honoured to participate in the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, which culminated in grandeur in Kaduna State. To be part of this year’s commemoration was not only a privilege but also a humbling experience that offered a renewed appreciation for the legacy, innovation and evolving identity of the Nigerian Army. The theme for NADCEL 2025, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,” captured the essence of this year’s celebration. In line with this overarching vision, the NADCEL Lecture, delivered by the esteemed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR, Zaruman Sokoto, former Chief of Army Staff, was a highlight of the programme. His presentation, titled “The Soldier First Concept in Shaping a New Culture for Transformation in the Nigerian Army,” offered a comprehensive and incisive exploration of the subject.
He began with conceptual clarifications of the terms “soldier,” “first,” and “soldier first,” as well as the notion of “transformation,” before going into an analysis of the Nigerian Army’s current and anticipated operational environments. He discussed the Soldier First Concept in detail, including the responsibilities it entails and the roles played by both past and present leadership of the Nigerian Army in advancing it. He also addressed how the Army must prepare institutionally and culturally to operationalise the Soldier First Concept fully and concluded with actionable recommendations. The lecture was followed by a robust panel discussion and an engaging interactive session, which deepened the insights and the relevance of the theme to the Army’s ongoing transformation drive.
A particular highlight for me was the inclusion of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition as an official event of NADCEL. Over nearly three months, we worked diligently to ensure its success, an effort rooted in the belief that intellectual engagement and literary excellence are indispensable to fostering strategic thinking and professional development within the military. I was especially pleased that this initiative received formal recognition with an award presentation ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Auditorium, shortly after the NADCEL Lecture. It was a proud and validating moment, not only for the winners and runners-up in all three competition categories, but for those of us in the Committee headed by Professor Okey Ikechukwu mni, and all who believe in the power of thought and expression within our educational institutions.
The events of the NADCEL 2025 that followed were as rich in substance as they were in symbolism. From the carefully curated historical exhibition that provided a window into the Army’s heritage, to the vibrant gala night that celebrated tradition and unity, each gathering carried deep meaning and impressive attendance. The grand finale, held on Sunday, 6th July 2025 at the Kaduna Polo Club within Murtala Mohammed Square, was a masterful display of precision, pride, and professionalism. The finale featured a ceremonial parade reviewed by the President and Commander-in-Chief, ably represented by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There were captivating drills by various corps, including the Special Forces, Women’s Corps, Military Police and the Physical Training Corps, alongside the presentation of COAS Honours and Awards to deserving personnel and units, an impressive exhibition of indigenous military technology, and a resplendent march past by all Army corps.
Significantly, NADCEL 2025 was also marked by impactful civil-military initiatives. Free medical outreaches were carried out across Kaduna State, and a host of humanitarian and infrastructure development projects were commissioned across several Army formations. These efforts reflected the Army’s growing commitment to nation-building and community engagement. In this regard, I must also commend the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) for their outstanding contributions. Throughout the NADCEL activities, NAOWA commissioned numerous humanitarian and infrastructural projects, bolstering the support network that sustains Army families and uplifts host communities. Alongside the Soldiers’ Wives Association, NAOWA members turned out in large numbers at key events, resplendent in their colourful attire, lending strength and solidarity to their spouses and the Army’s broader mission and transformation drive of Soldier First.
The organisation, scale and precision of this year’s celebration were truly commendable. Without a doubt, NADCEL 2025 stands out as one of the most meticulously executed editions in recent memory. My heartfelt congratulations go to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede mni NAM; the Chief of Policy and Plans, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs; the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee; and the countless officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army who made this success possible.
On a personal note, the experience was deeply nostalgic. Nineteen years ago, in 2006, I attended a similar event at the same Murtala Mohammed Square. To return nearly two decades later and witness the Army’s tremendous evolution, both in tradition and in innovation, was profoundly moving. NADCEL 2025 was more than a celebration. It was a reaffirmation of the Nigerian Army’s enduring courage, legacy, its embrace of transformation and intellect and its deepening commitment to the people and nation it serves.
